Gisborne Gazette October 2022

Gisborne

or

in the

the southern macedon ranges

None

passion were as though he were selling his own home. Sale in 3 weeks, happy vendors, happy purchasers. Don’t look anywhere else, Rhys is the best!”

We were excited to list with Rhys’s new company and knew instantly that we would be in good hands. We can’t say enough about Rhys as a person and agent that we trusted wholeheartedly. Rhys’s integrity and honesty is second to none and he supports you every step of the way, including tips that made a huge difference to our property. His enthusiasm and passion were as though he were selling his own home. Sale in 3 weeks, happy vendors, happy purchasers. Don’t look anywhere else, Rhys is the best!”

Payne

068

Ranges?

Nuttall 0438 383 221

Nuttall 0438 383 221

competing

Gisborne seniors celebrate premiership after 16-year drought

Picture: Chris Fleming

Congratulations to the Gisborne Football Netball Club on winning four premierships in September, especially to the seniors pictured on this month’s cover who won the club’s first senior premiership in 16 years. What a feat and, as club president John Wood says on page 7, what a reward to everyone who has helped rebuild the club over the past seven years on and off the field or court to its clear position of strength today. Go Doggies!

Dedication to a cause is something we are lucky to find in many places in our community. I recently met Robert Pradolin of Mount Macedon who has spent much of the past eight years developing a vision of how the private sector can and should be part of finding solutions to Australia’s housing affordability issues. Read about this local man with a grand plan on page 15.

The Gazette reporters at local primary schools have also showed their commitment by providing their reports in the busy last week of term or, in some cases, the first week of the school holidays. It’s work on top of their normal work and I appreciate their dedication greatly.

These are just three examples of ordinary local people (I hope I’m not offending anyone!) living out an adage my father often quoted to me as a child: “If a job’s worth doing, it’s worth doing well.”

I can’t help but be inspired and hope this edition of the Gazette also gives you some new energy to keep working on a solution to a tricky or lingering problem in your world. With spring here, I might give growing bountiful vegetables another try.

Happy reading,

We welcome Adam Lopez to the Gazette volunteer team. Adam has started helping to edit and proofread articles for the Gazette

A lawyer by profession and a lover of correct written English, Adam has lived in Gisborne with his family for five years.

Corinne Shaddock

GREAT Gisborne Gazette

23 Hamilton Street, Gisborne PO Box 9, Gisborne 3437

ABN 14301 970 177

Web www.gisbornegazette.org.au

The Gazette Team

MEMBER 2021

Circulation 8500

Editor: Corinne Shaddock gisbornegazetteeditor@gmail.com 0409 422 492

Production

Pip Butler 0439 816 278 pbutlerhistory@gmail.com

Graeme Millar, Elaine Millar

Photographer

Chris Fleming 0417 322 944

Distribution Manager

Maxine Barker 0438 711 138 maxineandpeter@bigpond.com

Advertising Coordinator

Patsy Smith 0401 810 581 gisbornegazetteadvertising@gmail.com

advertising

Social media: Katrina Buttigieg

Distributors: Proudly distributed to letterboxes in Gisborne, New Gisborne, Macedon, Mt Macedon, South Gisborne and Bullengarook by more than 100 volunteers.

Where you can find the Gazette

Available at www.gisbornegazette.org.au and Issuu.com

DEADLINES FOR CONTRIBUTIONS

ISSUE MONTH DEADLINE DISTRIBUTION

179 November October 19 November 1

180 December November 16 November 29 181 February January 18 January 31

For advertising deadlines please see the website.

DISCLAIMER

The views expressed in the Gazette are not necessarily those of the GREAT Association Inc (Gisborne Region Events Activities and Tourism) unless acknowledged as such. No endorsement of products or services is implied by the listing of advertisers or sponsors. While every effort is taken in printing contributions accurately, the Gisborne Gazette takes no responsibility for errors.

SUBSCRIPTIONS

Copies of the Gazette are posted to subscribers each month. For an annual subscription to cover postage, send your cheque for $29.70 to the Gisborne Gazette, PO Box 9, Gisborne 3437 or you can deposit online.

OBITUARIES

To submit an obituary for publication, please email elgrae@bigpond.com or phone 5428 2522. Please also provide a photograph for publication and restrict the article to about 250 words.

If you do not receive the Gazette in your letter box, you can collect a copy at:

Gisborne: Post Office, Village Shopping Centre, Priceline Chemist, Gisborne Medical Centre in Brantome Street, Coles and Foodworks supermarkets

Mt Macedon: The Trading Post

Macedon: Post Office and United Service Station on Black Forest Drive

New Gisborne: Baringo Food & Wine, Station Road; Cafe at 3 Ladd Road

Riddells Creek: Newsagency Woodend: Coles supermarket

Supported by Macedon Ranges Shire Council

The Gisborne Gazette acknowledges the Wurundjeri people as the traditional owners of the country upon which we publish. We recognise their continuing connection to land, water and community and pay respect to elders past, present and emerging.

A  MINUTE  WITH  MAXINE

Michael and Anne O’Brien have been delivering the Gazette to let terboxes for five years and also preparing Gazette bundles before taking them to seven distributors’ homes.

Gazette at Large

Anne was born in Warragul and Michael in Melbourne. They were married in Ballarat in 1984 and, in 2000, bought a 24-hectare paddock at Newstead while they were living in Castlemaine. They planted 420 olive trees and had goats that were both for milking and the Angora mohair. Helping to look after the livestock and tending the young was “Buddy”, a Maremma dog. He was very special to both of them.

Michael was a biology and maths teacher for 40

Gisborne Olde Time Market

Next market: Sunday October 2

For more information, call 0431 563 566 or go to www.gisborneoldetimemarket.org.au

years before retiring and Anne held many nursing positions for 40 years before retiring.

They moved to Gisborne in 2013 and joined many groups, including the Garden Club and Probus. Michael is currently the vice president of Gisborne Probus and Anne is a member, and she wrote the bulletin for the club for four years.

They are both also keen gardeners and readers. Michael also enjoys botanical painting and Anne enjoys spinning, weaving and knitting.

They walk three times a week with a local group around Gisborne.

JPs available

Every Thursday 12 noon to 2pm at the GREAT (Gisborne Region Events Activities &Tourism) office, 23 Hamilton Street, Gisborne.

Maxine Barker

Anne and Michael O’Brien

Adam Lopez

Peter Barker checks out his Gazette while at the railway station in Clunes, where the Nightrider in the movie Mad Max arrived by train in his coffin and was collected by the merciless Toecutter.

A significant discovery has been made in Gisborne with the help of Gisborne Secondary College students.

At the end of last year, the VCE environmental science class at the college took part in ‘the Great Australian Platypus Search’. This was one of the biggest citizen science projects ever carried out in the world.

The first stage of the project involved a statewide investigation into platypus populations across Victoria. Using an innovative wildlife detection technique known as environmental DNA (DNA that wildlife sheds into their environment), the students took water samples from Jackson’s Creek and passed them through specialised filter discs using the pressure of syringes.

The samples were then sent to environmental foundation Odonata, where platypus DNA was detected using PCR (polymerase chain reaction) analysis.

The results were recently released and Odonata and the college are pleased to announce that platypuses are present in the Gisborne end of Jackson’s Creek.

This is an incredible discovery because the status of platypuses this far upstream was previously not recorded. There had been anecdotal reports of sightings in the past, but nothing in the last several years.

The platypus, one of Australia’s most iconic creatures, is classed as “Near Threatened” on the International Union for Conservation of Nature's Red List of Threatened Species. Platypus numbers are on the decline due to habitat loss, drought in parts of Australia, climate change and bushfires.

Vegetation works carried out by Friends of Jackson’s Creek and Melbourne Water have assisted stability of the creek bed which has improved the habitat for platypus burrows.

Knowing that there is currently a population in Gisborne will provide extra impetus for continuing protection of the habitat of Jackson’s Creek.

Seeking memories of Ash Wednesday

The 40th anniversary of the Ash Wednesday fires that devastated Macedon and Mount Macedon is in February next year. The Gazette will publish a commemorative feature in the February 2023 edition to recall the circumstances of that dreadful day and asks for input from people who would be prepared to share their memories of that time.

If interested, please contact Bryan Power on 0417 140 828 or via bryanp2@bigpond.com

Fun was in FUNdraiser for Macedon Kinder

Making a successful in-person return after a two-year pause due to the pandemic, the Macedon Kinder trivia night showed were definitely no restrictions on the generosity of the Macedon community.

Lots of hard work by the Macedon Kinder committee culminated in a fun-filled evening on September 10 with more than $12,000 raised for the kindergarten. Jubilee Hall at Macedon looked resplendent and the guests equally so.

One of the organisers and new Macedon local, Stephanie Wood, said "It was a lot of work for the committee and volunteers, including our amazing Kinder teachers, but it was such a success.

"We sold out on the night; ... everyone dressed up with an 'M' for Macedon theme."

The funds will be used to buy outdoor play equipment and fund educational incursions such as animal safety, science and cooking experiences, and, of course, books. The event was hosted by former Deputy Lord Mayor of Melbourne Arron Wood AM. The live auction was conducted by Sean at Sotheby’s and saw some spirited bidding on an excellent array of prizes.

Back: Marnie Sparrow (teacher), Rosie and Zac. Front: Nelly and Emma

Mount Macedon won bronze in the Top Tiny Tourism Town category at the Australian Top Tourism Town Awards held in Canberra in September.

A 100-room aged care home is proposed by Arcare aged care company in Willowbank Road near the Mt Gisborne Road corner. The application is currently going through the Council planning process. Further along Willowbank on the corner of Brady Road, a planning application for a commercial cen tre including a supermarket, medical centre, commercial space and cafe is currently at advertising stage.

Well done to the team at Functional Fitness Plus in New Gisborne who raised $2068 for Lifeline Central Vic and Mallee which ser vices our area. Lifeline Central Vic and Mal lee said they must raise 75% of the funds required to operate each year and are very grateful for the donation, which will enable them to answer 53 more calls.

Congratulations to the team at Raine & Horne Gisborne who together with their part ner offices in this re gion were crowned the number one Raine & Horne group nationally for number of sales.

SEEN AROUND TOWN

Sharing reads

A 'Little Library' has been set up at Pindara Place and Grange Close in Gisborne and in vites passersby to read and share books, saying “Take one, leave one”.

It’s never too cold for ice cream

A serious downpour on Friday September 16 had downpipes gushing onto the Aitken Street shopping strip pavement but that didn’t keep Jack and Tessa of Gisborne South from getting an ice cream. Asked whether the cold weather bothered him, Jack grinned and replied, “Nah!” His mum backed him up and added her wisdom: “Weather doesn’t matter; ice cream fixes everything!”

Gisborne cocktail bar opens

After an extended period of waiting for permits to come through, cocktail/wine lounge The Mint Lounge in Hamilton Street was prepar ing for its opening on Sep tember 30 when the Gazette went to print.

REMINDER: Garden Lovers' Fair and open gardens October 1-2

The first weekend of October promises to be a boon for garden lovers.

The Garden Lovers’ Fair is on in the grounds of Bolobek, Macedon, on Saturday October 1 and Sunday October 2.

There will be 40 stalls as well as speakers and garden visits. Entry is $16; free for children under 15. For further details, visit www.gardenloversfair. com.au. A handy flyer showing where all the fairrelated events are and providing details of free fair shuttle buses is available as well.

In a first-time partnership with the fair, Open Gardens Victoria will open two private Macedon gardens — Lewisham and Durrol — to coincide with the activities of the weekend.

Entry to each garden is $10 adults/$6 students/ under 18 free.

Finally, Mount Macedon properties Pinjarra and Timsbury will also have open gardens on October 1 and 2, as a fundraiser for the Mount Macedon Uniting Church. Details on page 38.

Cancer Awareness Month

To

Edna Walling gate at Durrol. (Picture: Anne Vale)

A reflection on the life of the Queen

The recent death of Queen Elizabeth has drawn media exposure and public expressions of grief the like of which we have not seen since the death of her daughter-in-law Diana in 1997.

The two women were very different. Diana, the young, warm-hearted princess, whose seemingly fairytale life ended in sadness and ultimate tragedy, evoked worldwide love and sympathy.

The death of Elizabeth, who showed 70 years of unremitting commitment to her role, has seen tributes largely focused on respect for her integrity, dignity and devotion to duty.

REFLECTIONS

1st New Gisborne Cub Scouts Callum, Will and Jess lower the flag to half mast in honour of the passing of Queen Elizabeth.

Tips to ward off swooping birds

It is nesting season and residents are being urged to watch out for swooping birds, most commonly magpies but other native birds do swoop.

There are some things that you can do if you encounter swooping birds:

● Do not harass, interfere with or throw things at them. This gives the birds added reason to see people as a threat and may increase swooping. All Victorian native wildlife is protected by law and it is illegal to harass or harm them.

● Walk or ride a different way; the bird won’t swoop for long, so it won’t be a permanent change;

● If you must pass through the area, move calmly and quickly – do not run;

The Queen was regal, but also brought to mind, for many, their own mother or grandmother.

Many have commented how the Queen’s death stirred the feelings they had experienced at the time of the deaths of their mothers and grandmothers. And, for an older person like me, those observations ring true as I recall my mother and grandmother, who, like millions of women of their generations, survived through two world wars and the Great Depression, never finding anything like prosperity in their lives until the 1950s or '60s.

Until those decades, at least, their lives had been steadfastly committed to frugally sustaining their families by providing the basics of food, clothing, shelter and love.

We have lost a monarch whose exemplary life has demonstrated qualities which I hope will not be seen as ones that are relevant only to her time but ones that will continue to endure in the lives of the generations that follow.

Bryan Power

The Group Leader of 1st New Gisborne Scout Group, John Frearson, reported that the passing of the Queen has been a time of recognition and learning for Scouts. This has included developing an understanding of the formalities of mourning, the issues (both for Scouting and our nation) arising from the change in the head of state and the relevant flag ceremonies.

REMINDER:

● Cover your head. Wear a hat or carry a stick or umbrella above your head. Cyclists should always wear a helmet, dismount and walk through the area;

● Do not destroy nests as this is illegal and may prompt birds to rebuild their nests, prolonging the swooping behaviour;

● Birds may be less likely to swoop if they think you are watching them. Draw a pair of ‘eyes’ and attach them to the back of hats and helmets;

● Do not feed swooping birds as this may encourage swooping behaviour.

Residents are encouraged to register swooping birds at www.wildlife.vic.gov.au/managing-wildlife/ swooping-birds. The Victorian Swooping Bird Map shows where people have been swooped, mainly during the annual spring breeding season.

October 2 –The Calder Fly Fishing Association

from 10am to 4pm at Buffalo Sports Stadium, Woodend.

PREMIERSHIP WINNERS

Gisborne U18s – Premiers

Gisborne Football Netball Club Seniors’ captain Patrick McKenna and coach Rob Waters celebrate the premiership win.

Jack Reaper – Seniors – Victorian Country Football League medal

Braidon Blake –Seniors grand final – best on ground

Torie Skrijel (left) and Emily McDonald – joint winners BFNL 17 & Under netball best and fairest

Connor Bills – U18 grand final – best on ground

Harry Luxmoore – BFNL U18 goal kicker 2022

Boyd Nalder (left) and Jacob Murphy – joint winners BFNL Reserves best and fairest

A season to remember

By GFNC president John Wood

It was a special day to cap off a special season but, in reality, it was a journey that began six years ago.

In December 2015, our dwindling membership and volunteer base forced us to hold a “Call to Ac tion” day. We explained that the long-term viability of the Gisborne Football Netball Club was in ques tion if we could not increase membership and volun teer numbers. It proved to be the galvanising point.

Fast forward to the end of the 2022 home and away season, and of Gisborne’s 10 teams playing across the Bendigo Football Netball League (BFNL) and the Essendon District Football League (EDFL), nine were finals bound.

Our senior women’s football finished fourth in the EDFL’s Women’s Division 1, while our U18.5 girls finished just outside finals. All five grades of netball and all three football teams finished top three in the BFNL. This led to Gisborne being awarded the prestigious BFNL David McCann Champion Club award for 2022. The Champion Club award is de termined by points earned for wins across both net ball and football during the home and away season. The awards night was made even more special as young local Gisborne players featured prominently in individual league best and fairest awards.

Madeline Stewart won her second Betty Thomp son medal in A Grade netball, joining her good friend and teammate Tiana Newman as one of only a few in the history of the league to have won this medal twice. Tori Skrijel won the Carol Sing medal in 17 & Under netball, with teammate Emily McDon ald, finishing runner-up.

The Hammill/McDonald Medal for Reserves foot ball saw teammates Jacob Murphy and Boyd Nal der finish as joint winners, a feat made even more remarkable by the fact that Gisborne Reserves only played 15 of the 18 home and away games due to COVID protocols. Bridie Collings finished runner-up in the EDFL Under 18.5 girls’ Best and Fairest.

Under 18s player Harry Luxmoore finished as leading goal kicker with 64 goals for the season. A special mention should go to senior player Brad Bernacki who, despite missing seven games due to VFL duties with Essendon, finished equal runner-up on 15 votes, just four votes behind the winner.

The year culminated on Grand Final Day with Gisborne bringing home four of the eight premier ship cups on offer across the Bendigo League.

It has been a very special journey.

I feel the results of 2022 are just reward for the hard work and effort of all those involved in the club, particularly over the past six years – players, coach es, medical staff, team support staff, volunteers, members, sponsors, and supporters.

Gisborne A Reserve – Premiers

Gisborne Football Netball Club 17 & Under – Premiers

Madeline Stewart – A Grade netball best and fairest for the second year in a row.

Taylah Chamra, Macedon Cats –best on court C Grade grand final

Macedon Football Netball Club had three teams in the Riddell League grand finals: The C Grade team (below) who defeated Western Rams to take out the premiership, the B Grade team who lost to Diggers Rest, and the Under 17s, who lost to Western Rams.

Cats season wrap-up ►page 34

Macedon C Grade – RDFNL Premiers.

Mt

holds open day

Preparing for summer weather, wet and dry

Floods

The Bureau of Meteorology has con firmed that we are in our third La Nina event in a row, meaning higher than average rainfall over the com ing months which can increase the chance of flooding.

This climate pattern contributed to the flooding in northern NSW and Queensland last summer and could also affect Vic toria. The State Emergency Service has some great tips on its website and resources for preparing for and managing floods if they occur. Visit ses.vic.gov. au/plan-and-stay-safe/emergencies/flood.

Fires

With spring here and the weather improving, it is a great time to start preparing your property for the summer bushfire season. You can reduce the risk to your home and property by cleaning up around your dwelling and clearing potential fire hazards before the fire danger period kicks in.

These jobs include removing overhanging tree

branches and shrubs over one me tre high next to or below windows; keeping grass short and clearing other combustible debris near your home; clearing roof gutters of any leaf litter; ensuring any rainwater tanks are accessible and full; en suring you have a bushfire survival plan in place and practise it regularly.

Council also encourages residents to familiarise themselves with the new Fire Danger Rating system that recently came into effect and update their fire plans accordingly. The new system is being used across Australia so, whether you are at home or trav elling, you will see the same system being used.

There are four levels of fire danger: ModeratePlan and prepare; High - Be ready to act; Extreme - Take action now to protect your life and property; Catastrophic - For your survival, leave bushfire risk areas.

If you have any questions about the new Fire Dan ger Rating System, contact your local CFA brigade.

Wooling Hill charity run – any time in October

New Gisborne’s Wooling Hill Memorial Estate is hosting the fundraising Wooling Hill Run again this year, with proceeds going to Central Highlands Rural Health’s palliative care program.

The run is not a mass participation event. Partici pants are asked to run, jog, wheel or walk 7.2 kilo metres (six laps) of the course at Wooling Hill any time between 8am and 6pm Monday to Saturday to raise funds. You can do the course as many times as you like during October to log your distance and best times.

The target for Lisa Fowler, owner of event spon sor Mount Macedon Realty, is to raise $60,000 to cover the cost of a new van for the Macedon Ranges Specialist Palliative Care in-the-home service.

The van will be used to transport essential equip ment, including electric hospital beds and air mat tresses, wheelchairs and other mobility aids, to and from patients’ homes to enable specialist nursing staff to provide the best end-of-life care and support

A beautiful view from Wooling Hill.

in the home for patients and their carers across the Macedon Ranges Shire.

For details on how to enter and further informa tion, visit www.woolinghillestate.com.au/charity-run.

Gearing up for festival

Planning is well under way for this year’s Gisborne Festival, which will be held on Friday December 9.

Coordinated by the Gisborne and District Lions Club and sponsored by Bendigo Bank, the festival will include the ever-popular parade, and on Gardiner Reserve there will be live music and en tertainment, a variety of stalls and carnival rides.

A focus will be on families with a range of free ac tivities for children, and the festival concluding with a fireworks display.

The Lions Club is seeking community support by participating in the festival. Applications for the parade and stalls are available by emailing gisbornefestival@ gmail.com.

Christmas Cakes

Lions Christmas Cakes are being sold at various lo cations around Gisborne, and you can also buy tick ets for the popular Lions Gisborne Christmas Wheel barrow Raffle, with the prize being a wheelbarrow full of a variety of products valued in excess of $800.

The Lions Club is very appreciative of the commu nity's support of the recent Father’s Day Raffle, with the proceeds totalling $2600 to be directed to those in need. The lucky winners were: first prize Jacin ta Sapwell, second Richard Stewart, third Jadee Hynes, fourth Faye Lloyd, fifth Elaine Murphy and sixth Kay Haslett.

News from Community Bank Gisborne

The branch is seeking a local resi dent with board and governance experience to be Company Secre tary and Executive Officer of its volunteer Board of Directors. This is a paid, part-time or contract role for an organised self-starter, ideally with accounting ex perience. For more information, email eo@mrceltd. com.au or visit www.ethicaljobs.com.au/members/ MRCELtd/company-secretary-executive-officer

Applications for tertiary scholarships will open in October: open to eligible students starting university, TAFE or an apprenticeship next year. Stay up to date with these opportunities by liking our Facebook page, facebook.com/communitybankgisbornedistrict.

Proudly sponsored by the Rotary Club of Gisborne

Macedon Primary students raise money to buy groceries for Foodbank

Gisborne Foodbank volunteer Wally Van Dort visited Mace don Primary School last month to talk to Grade 3 and 4 stu dents about the Foodbank.

The students were very knowledgeable about the work that we do to help those in need. They had bought bags of groceries to donate to the Foodbank, raising the money ($270) by making trinkets such as clay figures, finger knitting and loom bands, and selling them at lunchtime.

What an entrepreneurial and generous group of stu dents. We are so very thankful for the wonderful young people in our community who are al ways looking for ways that they can help those in need. Thank you, Macedon Primary School!

The Gisborne Community Care Foodbank Inc would like to advise that the date of our Annual Gen eral Meeting has been rescheduled to Tuesday Octo ber 18, 2022 at 7pm at the Gisborne Uniting Church, 23 Brantome Street, Gisborne. All are welcome.

The Gisborne Foodbank is open on Wednes

POLICE BEAT

days and Fridays from 10am to 3pm.

Please contact us on mobile 0492 850 520, email info@gisborne foodbank.org.au, drop in on Wednes day or Friday, message us via Facebook (@GisborneFoodbank), or visit our website (www.gisbornefoodbank.org.au).

Local Hero Award nominations still open

The Local Hero Award is back and will be awarded at the Gisborne Carols by Candlelight on Sunday December 4.

Nomination of local heroes is still open, so if you know of someone who has dedicated much to the Gisborne community and deserves recognition, please nominate them and let us know about their community contributions.

The Local Hero Award recognises those who have strengthened the community through their enduring contributions to community life.

Please email nominations to mrcepublicrela tions@gmail.com or contact Bronwyn Tacey of the Gisborne Community Carols Committee for further information on 0417 028 605. Selection of the local hero awardee is made by the Gisborne Community Carols Committee.

Friendship group returns to East Timor

After a recent spate of thefts from vehicles throughout the Macedon Ranges, we’d like to remind people of the importance of securing your vehicles to prevent this opportunistic offending.

The importance of the ‘look, lock and leave’ message cannot be understated: ‘look’ inside your vehicle for any items that thieves may find attractive and take these items with you; ‘lock’ your vehicle prior to walking away from it, no matter how short a time you may be away; and 'leave' with confidence that you have taken appropriate action to secure your belongings and your vehicle.

The same principles should be applied to your homes and sheds.

Lastly, a reminder that we’re always here to lis ten to the concerns of the community. If there are issues that you want to make us aware of, please contact Gisborne or Macedon station, talk to mem bers when you see them out on patrol or join us for our next ‘Coffee with a Cop’.

After more than two years of not being able to visit Timor-Leste due to COVID-19 travel restric tions, the Macedon Ranges East Timor Friendship Group (MR FoET) is delighted to advise that members will be heading to the small district of Turiscai to be reunited with our Timorese friends in early October.

This visit will allow us to reconnect with the local community and to see firsthand the severe flood damage that occurred during Cyclone Seroja in April 2021.

We will be taking with us more than 100 'Days for Girls' kits, which are feminine hygiene kits that allow schoolgirls to not have to miss school.

We will also be providing computers and print ers for the school, and working with local community leaders to see what we can do together in the future to help the community.

The annual visit to Turiscai is open to all members of our Friendship Group, and, if you have ever want ed to help make a difference to the lives of impov erished people living on Australia’s doorstep, please contact us at mrfoet@bigpond.com.

Appointment: 0419 393

Gisborne Foodbank volunteer Wally Van Dort with Macedon Primary School Grade 3 and 4 students.

Gisborne Police would like to extend a huge thanks to all members of the community who came out to assist with the search for a missing child recently. The involvement of the community and sharing of relevant information directly led to finding the child in a timely manner and a safe return to family.

With Senior Sergeant Dan Tully, Gisborne

Warwick Potter

Macedon Ranges East Timor Friendship

Julie Ireland

Now is the time to take control of gorse weed

Land managers have a responsibility to control noxious weeds such as gorse. If left unchecked, gorse can cover paddocks and bushland areas, reducing the land available for stock and native flora and fauna.

Each plant can produce thousands of seeds, cre ating problems for you and your neighbours.

While it is not easy to manage, gorse can be controlled if strategically tackled at two key times of year: gorse is in flower now and the removal of seed heads with a brush cutter after flowering will slow its spread; the second time to tackle gorse is during the softtip growth stage prior to summer (and spraying is most effective at the second stage, particularly on new regrowth).

Bin clips for sale

Is litter spilling from your bins? The council has bin clips available from the council offices in Robertson Street, Gisborne, at $20 each.

Biosecurity information for livestock owners

Foot-and-mouth disease has been detected in Indonesia. The potential impact of this disease to our local agricultural industry and hobby farmers could be very serious.

Fortunately, FMD has not been detected in Aus tralia and is also not transmissible to humans.

The disease affects cloven-hoofed animals such as cattle, sheep, goats, deer, alpacas and pigs.

To improve biosecurity practices, Agriculture Vic toria is running a free online webinar ‘Biosecurity for small landholders – making it work on your property’ on Wednesday October 5, from 6.30pm to 8pm.

Gorse is a noxious weed.

Slashing or grooming of larger bushes can also be undertaken. This produces new growth the fol lowing year that is more easily controlled.

To find out more on how to control gorse, visit mrsc.vic.gov.au/weeds.

Bin clips are easy to use and help you to secure lids during strong winds and prevent animals from getting into your rubbish. The clips release automat ically when the bins are emptied into the rubbish trucks.

You can view an instruction video at mrsc.vic.gov. au/binclips.

Vote for favourite finalist in Business Awards

The finalists for the ‘Josh’s Rainbow Eggs Macedon Ranges Business Excellence Awards 2022’ will be announced on Tuesday October 11. Check out who will be in the run ning for an award at the gala event being held on Friday November 18.

Once the finalists have been announced, it will

be over to you to vote for your favourite final ist in the ‘People’s Choice Award’. Voting will remain open until Monday November 14, so let your fingers do the talking.

To book your tickets for the gala event and find out how to vote for your favourite, visit mrsc.vic.gov.au/business-awards.

Small-scale, artisanal and peri-urban landholders are invited to boost their biosecurity skills and knowl edge by attending the webinar, hosted by Agriculture Victoria and RSPCA Victoria.

You can register through agriculture.vic.gov.au, or for more information go to mrsc.vic.gov.au/footand-mouth or contact Melissa Cann at melissa.cann@agricul ture.vic.gov.au or phone 0408 052 845.

How breast cancer support group formed in Gisborne

When I was diagnosed with breast cancer three-and-a-half years ago, I was lucky to have amazing support from my family and friends; however, I still struggled. I did not have people close by who had been on the same journey.

I would have loved to have been part of a support group but there was none in our area. This made me feel isolated – something I would not wish on anyone in this situation.

Stress, sadness, fear and anger are common feelings after having breast cancer. The shock of the diagnosis, the draining treatment, and then the constant fear that the cancer might return, are difficult to deal with.

Depression is also a common repercussion.

Recently, I reached out to the Gisborne Community Group on Facebook to see if anyone was interested in forming a breast cancer support group.

The response was overwhelming. Since then, about half a dozen of us have been meeting on the first and third Tuesdays of the month at the Gisborne Golf Club at 10.30am for a coffee/tea and informal chat.

Talking to people who have been along the same path is great for your mental health.

With one in seven women diagnosed with breast cancer each year, and one in 50 men, there is definitely a need for support groups in every community. We welcome anyone affected by breast cancer to join us.

Lesley Cole, 0484 691 226

Helping young people to manage challenges

Young people faced many challenges during the pandemic, such as remote learning, limited access to activities and being isolated from friends.

The Creating Art and Conversations project was developed by Macedon Ranges Health to support local young people. The project fosters creativity, destigmatises talk about mental health, and gives young people an outlet to express their feelings.

Students at St Brigid’s Primary and Sunbury and Macedon Ranges Specialist School were visited by Henry O’Sullivan from the Crafting Good Health YouTube channel who ran a series of art sessions with the aim of developing an art piece that reflected the students’ thoughts and experiences.

Students painted a picture of something they were grateful for during the lockdowns. While working they were encouraged to converse about the challenges of the pandemic and the importance of being able to talk to others and to seek help from parents, friends or teachers.

The final art pieces were put together to replicate a kintsugi, the traditional Japanese art of repairing broken pottery using lacquer and gold. This was done to represent the students’ resilience. The completed artwork of both schools is on display at Macedon Ranges Health, Neal Street, Gisborne.

Hamilton

Spring has sprung but take it slowly returning to exercise

The weather is now starting to warm up and I can’t help but notice more people out and about exercising after a winter spent hibernating in front of the fire with a hot chocolate – or a glass of red wine in my case.

By Julie Ireland

A regular article about general health

For the first time in many years, I continued to exercise all through winter and, for those of you who joined me in this noble pursuit, give yourselves a pat on the back; you are awesome! For those who took a break and now want to get back into exercising, that’s okay too. The weather in the Macedon Ranges can be very unfriendly at times over winter. Don’t despair, I’ve got your back!

It is not uncommon for people to want to pick up where they left off in terms of exercising after a winter break but this can lead to common sport injuries, such as ankle sprains, runner’s knee, Achilles tendonitis, plantar fasciitis – you get the idea.

Trying to go out and run a marathon after spending the winter months huddling under a blanket on the couch is asking for trouble. It is important to ease back into exercise and take the time to build up condition again over a period of time that is sensible for your level of fitness.

I know that this might not be what you want to hear, and, let’s face it, at many stages in my life

I have experienced the frustration of being really unfit and overweight and wanting to change this quickly by exercising obsessively, but it is not the way to go, believe me.

Building up your exercise slowly and sensibly will mean that you will be back to your peak fitness in no time without suffering the frustration of down-time due to injury.

Take care of yourselves, everyone. Julie

We have moved!

quality, friendly, veterinary services

Macedon Ranges.

Hamilton Street,

Lesley Cole

Coco Sud, Jade Murone, Dash Schober and Olly Barker from St Brigid’s Primary School with their artwork at Macedon Ranges Health in Gisborne.

Caring for a loved one with an eating disorder?

PS My Family Matters is hosting an information session ‘Caring for a loved one with an eating disorder’ on October 25, 7.30-9pm at the Riddells Creek Neighbourhood House, 59 Main Road, Riddells Creek.

Representatives from Eating Disorders Families Australia will give a presentation regarding caring strategies for loved ones with an eating disorder.

The organisation's website says, “Eating Disorders Families Australia was founded by a passionate group of parents who have cared for, and are caring for, young people with eating disorders. We believe in the power of lived experience and sharing our knowledge with others to reduce the time and suffering the whole family endures … because recovery is possible, but it’s not always linear and there is much to consider and understand.”

Tamara Wilson, president of local group PS My Family Matters, said, “During the past two-and-a-half years, we have seen a significant increase in families seeking support for eating disorders.

“With the generous assistance of the Bendigo Bank [Community Bank] in Gisborne, we are able to host this event, which we hope will give carers the opportunity to learn from each other’s experiences.”

Please book at www.trybooking.com/CCVUF.

Numbers are limited and booking is essential. Please call 0475 269 965 or email psmfm@outlook. com if you have any questions.

Submitted by Mike Hamer

Shed enjoys Young Shedmen again

Over five years ago we started our Young Shedmen program. Unfortunately, for quite a while COVID put a big hole in our progress. But now we’re back on track and on Monday afternoons the average Shedman age drops considerably.

We’ll leave it up to you to identify the young and the not so young.

Those afternoons usually start with a discussion on some aspect of maths or science, including the calculation of areas of various shapes and what influences ocean tides. Then we all head into the workshop for some practical activities. In addition to

learning about how to use a variety of hand and power tools, the Gisborne Secondary College students also become familiar with aspects of general workshop safety, principles and implications of design and quality and the importance of clear communication (which means phones left in pockets!).

During these sessions the younger Shedmen help us older Shedmen to further develop our perspective on life generally.

This year that includes a better understanding of the impact of COVID on education during those formative years.

If you happen to bump into Ryley or Dante, ask them what they think of their time at The Shed.

Individuals sought to join community reference group

Sunbury and Cobaw Community Health is inviting community representatives from the Macedon Ranges and Sunbury to join one of two community reference groups to help guide the work of the organisation.

A community reference group’s role is to offer reflection and feedback on the needs and concerns of the community. Sunbury and Cobaw Community Health’s community reference groups offer a unique opportunity to represent your community and learn

more about a local community health service.

Local individual community perspectives are particularly sought, rather than those from community organisations. Ideally, you will either have received services from Sunbury and Cobaw Community Health or have a strong connection to the Macedon Ranges or Sunbury.

The organisation’s community reference groups provide important input to service and program development and strategic planning.

Both groups meet four times per year with representatives from the Sunbury and Cobaw Board and senior staff.

There is an additional fifth meeting each year where both groups can get together.

To find out more, email healthpromotionsunbury@ scchc.org.au or call Lisa Richards on 5421 1666.

Ryley, Roger, Gunther, Fred and Dante.

LGBTIQA+ to show catwalk style at Macedon

‘Queers on the Catwalk’

Celebrate your LGBTIQA+ identity with pride at ‘Queers on the Catwalk’ in November.

‘Queers on the Catwalk’ returns for its third iteration and the organisers invite the LGBTIQA+ community and friends to join in for an evening of fashion, expression and affirmation.

The show will be held on Friday November 25 at the Mountview Theatre in Macedon. Participants will be encouraged to invite friends and family to watch them ‘strut their stuff’ on the catwalk to their signature audio tracks.

Leading up to the event, Sunbury and Cobaw Community Health’s CLIP (Country LGBTIQ+ Inclusion Program) and WayOut teams will host a workshop on October 22 in Kyneton where participants can explore their style and identity through clothes and accessories and by sharing ideas with others.

TGD Clothing Swap and PollyFIlla Productions will help provide a safe opportunity for participants to connect and share their experiences of living queer in a regional setting and how this may have influenced their self-expression through clothing and fashion over the years. Participants will have access to a wide variety of free items to try on.

“The workshop is a great opportunity for participants to meet each other and talk through their identity expression,” says WayOut Project Worker Rhani Dean-Talbett. “Having renowned costume maker and drag artist PollyFilla as workshop co-host and Catwalk compere is a great addition. PollyFilla will be a wonderful support to participants exploring their styles and selecting their outfits.”

To register interest in the workshop or attending the event, email healthpromotion@scchc.org.au or ring 5421 1666.

The event has been made possible through a State Government grant.

'Eat a rainbow' in National Nutrition Week

Did you know that eating red fruits and vegetables is good for your eyes, skin and immune system? Or that deep green leaves contain calcium and vitamin K that keep your bones healthy?

Eating a 'rainbow' of fruits and vegetables each week can have huge benefits to overall health. For instance, purple and blue fruits and vegetables have been linked with improved memory and healthy ageing.

During National Nutrition Week (October 16-22), Sunbury and Cobaw Community Health is teaming up with early learning centres and kindergartens

Village Connect events in October

Village Connect is a new service for older people provided by Macedon Ranges Shire Council.

Coffee and a chat

11am to 12 noon at Vics@Seasons, Riddells Creek, on October 11 or at Maison Maloa, Woodend, on October 13.

Pathways for Carers

Regular monthly stroll in Botanic Gardens at Kyneton on Friday October 7 (meet at the Barry Doyle Rotunda), and morning tea afterwards. Free event.

Registration is essential for these free events. Please Contact Abbey on 5422 0262 or email villageconnect@mrsc.vic.gov.au.

For more information about the program visit mrsc.vic.gov.au/village-connect.

in the Macedon Ranges to encourage everyone to ‘eat a rainbow’.

Boxes of seasonal fruit and vegetables, provided by Lancefield Providore, will be sent to participating centres and children will be invited to sample things they may not have tried before and take part in activities to encourage them to eat a range of colourful fresh foods.

In Australia, research shows that 95% of children aged 2-18 years do not consume the recommended quantity of vegetables and 32% do not consume the recommended amount of fruit.

'EDIE' dementia experience postponed

Woodend Lifestyle Carers Group would like to apologise to all those people who wished to participate in the 'EDIE' (Educational Dementia Immersive Experience) virtual reality experience that had been proposed for September 22, which then became a public holiday.

Woodend Lifestyle Carers Group

We would like to thank all who had indicated interest and confirm that this event has been rescheduled for March 2023. Please watch for further information in the New Year. Cherry Servis

EDIE virtual reality equipment

SHELTER SEEKER

By Corinne Shaddock

Alifelong

lover of property and entrepreneur from a young age (“I’ve been in property since age three when I was building cubby houses”), eight years ago Robert Pradolin of Mount Macedon turned his business knowledge, skills and connections to trying to help solve Australia’s housing affordability crisis.

He believes his experience working across the “housing continuum” gives him a unique perspective and opportunity to make a difference on a very important issue.

It has been a learning journey, and a clash of private and public sector cultures at times, but Rob has facilitated some groundbreaking pilots and developed a vision of how Australian business can (and should) help address housing affordability. His ideas were said to be referenced at the national Jobs and Skills Summit and featured in the documentary Under Cover released at the Melbourne International Film Festival in August. Rob is keen to reach more audiences as he believes “Spreading the word is more powerful to help solve the problem than giving cash.”

Rob grew up in Dandenong, an Italian ‘Dandy boy’ with parents in small business. Thanks to free university at the time, he was one of the first generation in his family to get a degree, studying engineering.

After a few years as a structural engineer, he realised he would be much happier “out talking to people” and switched to property. His first project was a unit development at age 23. He has worked in property ever since, climbing the ranks, and was most recently general manager of Frasers Property Australia (formally Australand).

During his 18 years at Frasers, Rob led housing projects for the 2006 Commonwealth Games Village

in Melbourne and the redevelopment of the Carlton social housing estate, which introduced him to many of the complexities of social and affordable housing. He now consults to the industry and sits on a number of boards (including the Salvation Army Housing Boards and Summer Housing Ltd) but spends most of his time directing the private sector charity he founded in 2019, Housing All Australians (HAA).

HAA has the aim of “facilitating a private sector voice, through a commercial lens, to advocate that the provision of housing for all Australians, rich or poor, is fundamental economic infrastructure upon which to build a successful and prosperous economy”. It focuses on raising awareness of the housing affordability issue and how business can help with solutions, facilitating pop-up housing as a shortterm solution for homeless women aged over 50, and advocating for government support for business to construct new affordable housing as part of a long-term bipartisan solution.

Rob’s serious interest in homelessness began over a coffee with his daughter in Melbourne. A homeless man asked them for money to get a bed for the night. The news had just reported that the top floor of Flinders Street Station, across the street, had sat empty for years, and Rob was dumbfounded that people were sleeping rough under Melbourne’s icon while there was vacant space inside. A later light-bulb moment came when a colleague in New York said key workers were considered city infrastructure there.

HAA has been involved in the creation of pop up shelters in Melbourne that have housed more than 100 women by repurposing vacant properties awaiting redevelopment, to provide transitional accommodation. Pop up shelters in Perth, Adelaide, Sydney and Tasmania are under discussion. In the Macedon Ranges, an HAA collaboration with Woodend Rotary (Rob has been a Rotarian for years in the

city and introduced HAA to the network) has led to a local property being rented out long-term at below market rates to provide affordable housing for vulnerable women. Gisborne estate agency RT Edgar is managing the property at no cost.

Lack of understanding

Rob sees a key reason for inaction around housing affordability to be a lack of understanding by our various governments of the size and complexity of the issue, and of how the private sector can and must be involved in the solution.

“The perception is that property developers are all greedy but that’s not the case,” Rob said. In his experience, once informed, many wealthy individuals and businesses are keen to help and have provided skills and services at no cost to assist HAA in refurbishing empty buildings as transitional accommodation.

He believes it is unrealistic to expect developers to participate in a solution, at scale, that is not economically viable, but is convinced that with some changed conditions and by collaborating with local government, developers can provide new affordable housing supply at no cost to government.

Rob is a strong believer that any proceeds of windfall gains tax should be required to be spent in the local area; such a change could really benefit the Macedon Ranges, where a likely consequence of increased tourism is a smaller and higherpriced rental market (as more properties in the private rental market become shortterm rentals).

A key element of the HAA vision is that Australian superannuation funds invest in the construction of new affordable housing supply in Australia. Rob said he was shocked to discover that many funds had billions invested in housing initiatives in the United States, but not in Australia as it was not economically viable. He wants to see a new asset class developed by super funds themselves, incentivised by a tax credit.

Continued ► page 39

5428

Robert Pradolin at Mount Macedon. He has a heartfelt vision.

Inked: art as tattoos

Despite not having any tattoos herself, artist Jo Hoyne has long been fascinated by tattoos and the people who get them. Her exhibition, ‘Inked’, uses drawings to explore the use of skin as art.

Whereas tattoos were once the domain of sailors or ‘tough guys’, Jo’s drawings feature a range of people, from a woman in a slinky evening dress to an ex-AFL footballer. The tattoos exhibited are as varied as the people, including of nature, wildlife, symbols and geometric designs.

When Jo set out to do this project, she wondered whether she would be able to get enough people. However, her subjects were more than willing to share their art: one could barely wait to remove his shirt at The Gallery Mt Macedon when he heard Jo talking about the project with a customer.

One of the interesting aspects of this exhibition is that Jo is interpreting the artwork done by a tattoo artist. She now has an increased admiration for tattoo artists.

“I found it difficult to accurately render many of these tattoos, and I was using a pencil on paper, with an eraser. Tattoo artists are using ink on a live person, who has a clear idea of what they want, and who is feeling considerable physical pain during the process.”

The exhibition is on at The Gallery Mt Macedon from October 4 to November 6, with an opening event and ‘meet-the-artist’ on Saturday October 8 at 2pm. The Gallery is open Fridays to Tuesdays from 10am to 4pm.

Visit www.thegallerymtmacedon.com.au for more information.

Mount Players present Madagascar, a drama

It’s a very busy time at the Mount Players, with the launch of our book commemorating 50 years of our theatre’s history and our final production for 2022 now in rehearsal: a drama by JT Rogers directed by Vicki Smith. Madagascar is the haunting story of a mysterious disappearance that changes three lives forever.

At three different periods in time, three people find themselves alone, in the same hotel room overlooking the Spanish Steps in Rome.

They each tell their individual stories of how and why they are here. Their relationships to each other, what this room means to them, and why they have been called to it, slowly reveal themselves.

Their stories spill out, weave back and forth –each contradicting, clarifying, deepening what the others say – becoming strands of one gripping and disquieting tale.

Tickets on sale at www.themountplayers.com or call 5426 1892 for assistance.

See you at the theatre.

Karen Hunt

Acclaimed poets on bill at Chamber Poets next event

Chamber Poets #81 on September 10 was a poetry and song extravaganza. Seventeen poets and seven songwriters performed in the Open Section of the event, held at Woodend. Local band Black Forest Smoke supported the main act, country singer Lauren Lee Williams. The mix of spoken word and song was appreciated by all and will be a continuing component of this monthly event.

On October 8, two poets will be featured: Ross Donlon of Castlemaine and David Kelly of Euroa.

Ross Donlon has published five books of poems. He was poet in residence for the centenary of the Castlemaine Art Gallery, he featured on the Radio National program Poetica and has featured in poetry festivals across Europe.

David Kelly has produced a monthly poetry magazine. He won the 2008 Shoalhaven Poetry Prize and was Australia’s first paid poetry development officer for the Sydney Poets Union.

At Chamber Poets, he will read poems from his book Planes, birds, cats, things He also creates visual poetry and will present a small exhibition of this avant-garde art form on the day.

Performances from Black Forest Smoke will punctuate the event, and there will be the popular Open Section, where poets and musicians are invited to take the stage. All are welcome.

Saturday 8 October, 1pm to 4pm Woodend RSL, Anslow Street.

For enquiries contact Myron Lysenko at myronpoet@hotmail.com.

2400,

Street.

Macedon

Marlene ZwartsJoel PlowmanMichelle Abela

Visual poetry by David Kelly: Bullet Holes

The Mount Players 1972 - 2022

Artworks by Jo Hoyne.

The modern Olympics used to award medals for the arts.

Daffodil gold, through a camera lens

The Kyneton Daffodil Festival was the subject for a recent Macedon Ranges Photographic Society members’ outing. The theme for this year’s parade was 'Jubilee Gold'.

Excitement was in the air as young and old lined the streets to enjoy the vibrant colours of beautiful dance costumes and cleverly decorated floats. Business and community groups shared the parade with emergency vehicles, Chinese dragons and vintage cars.

The sound of bagpipes, drummers and marching bands added to the festive atmosphere. Such a feast of photographic opportunities.

Does getting out and about and taking photos with like-minded people interest you? Perhaps you would like to come along to an organised walkabout.

For more information about MRPS, please visit www.macedon-ranges-photography.org.au. New members are very welcome.

The Macedon Ranges Photographic Society generally meets on the first Tuesday of the month, followed by the next Monday, at Dromkeen in Riddells Creek. Social chats start at 7pm with the meeting beginning at 7.30pm.

Young Voices herald spring at daffodil festival

Following two years of very restricted performances Young Voices of Macedon burst into song on September 3 as part of the Kyneton Daffodil Festival.

The program at the Bluestone Theatre was shared with the Kyneton Primary School choir, both choirs under the direction of Polly Christie and accompanied by Cathy Hutchison.

The Vivo group from Young Voices charmed the audience with You’ve Got A Friend In Me with wellchoreographed actions chosen by their teacher Jess Demare. Actions also featured prominently in the amusing two-part rendition of Anything You Can Do, I Can Do Better by the whole choir.

The beautiful lullaby Hushabye Mountain was

Vivo children sing 'You’ve got a friend in me'.

also sung by the whole choir in three parts, and the stunning rendition of Pure Imagination in two parts from Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory by the Cantabiles moved a number of audience members to tears.

Local partnerships support Writers Festival

Gisborne Bendigo Bank Community Bank has partnered with the Macedon Ranges Literary Association to help stage the inaugural Mountain Writers Festival next month.

The bank will sponsor the festival’s gala event 'How to save the world in 90 minutes', hosted by comedian Tom Gleeson and featuring panel guests including Tim Flannery, Costa Georgiadis, Sarah Wilson and Claire G Coleman.

Festival director Sonia Orchard said, “Our festival is so grateful to have the support of Gisborne Bendigo Bank, especially in our first year, when we’re still growing our event and following in the Macedon Ranges community.”

Manager Sarah Barton said supporting the volunteers behind new initiatives such as the Mountain Writers Festival was extra special.

The festival is on from November 4 to 6. Tickets are on sale at www. mountainwritersfestival. com.au.

There were also instrumental solos from members of both choirs, including a harp performance by Josie Barnes of Young Voices. A small group of Cantabiles showed admirable initiative by organising (without help from teachers) an excellent two-part performance of Exultate jubilate, learned by Zoom during lockdown.

As a finale to a wonderful concert, both choirs joined in a rousing performance of the rollicking sea shanty Eye of the Needle, which relates the dangers faced by sailing ships navigating the ‘shipwreck coast’ of Victoria.

Young Voices of Macedon looks forward to a busy Term 4, with a number of performances booked.

New members are very welcome. For information, see our website, www.yvmacedon.org.au.

Starting to plan your festive season?

This is where you’ll find our baked goods leading up to Christmas!

LOCAL RETAILERS

Deliveries as normal right up until Christmas Eve!

Gisborne Foodworks - Wednesday to Saturday

Riddells Creek Foodworks - Thursdays

Macedon IGA - Fridays

Mt Macedon Trading Post - Thursdays

Apples & Sage - Thursdays & Fridays

Mountain View Garlic - Thursdays

Woodend IGA - Wednesday to Saturday

MARKETS

Woodend Farmer’s Market

Saturday 5th November - 9am-1pm

Saturday 3rd December - 9am-1pm

Riddells Creek Farmer’s Market

Saturday 15th October- 9am-1pm

Saturday 19th November- 9am-1pm

Lancefield Farmer’s Market

Saturday 17th December9am-1pm

STAY TUNED FOR UPDATES AT... www.millettroadmaker.com.au

Daffodil Man. Picture: John Spring

Picture: Nicky Donald

Sue Steward

Festival director Sonia Orchard at Gisborne Bendigo Bank with manager Sarah Barton.

MACEDON MUSINGS

With Belinda Carlton-Doney

November will be a big month, as Macedon is hosting the inaugural Mountain Writers Festival. Taking place from November 4 to 6, it is bound to have something on offer for everyone, with an amazing line up: Peter Garrett AM, Sarah Wilson, Costa Georgiadis, Evelyn Araluen and Professor Tim Flannery AO (just to name a few).

The festival has local and interstate presenters, including writers, thinkers and performers – absolute intellectual mind candy. Most importantly, this will be the first Australian writers’ festival to focus exclusively on the environment; the festival’s theme this year is ‘Place. Story. Nature.’

The festival’s website describes it as an "epic line up of thought-leaders with world changing ideas, a passion for the environment, and a desire to write a better future for us all”.

Getting excited yet? The two-day program also has subjects ranging from climate science to gardening and even outback crime

While on Friday night there will be drinks at the pub, Saturday morning will see the official opening of the festival There will be a special play reading on Saturday night based on the Ash Wednesday fires of 1983, and Sunday will include a bush walk.

So: I get to listen to inspirational speakers (in my own backyard), have Friday night drinks and join in a bush walk How idyllic is that? And all while taking in the glorious surrounds of spring time Macedon.

Please see mountainwritersfestival.com.au for more information and to book tickets

Also, have a close look at the list of names you will be blown away!

Happy writing

String orchestra in musical feast

Resonance String Orchestra will present Deep Time, a profound musical feast, on October 16 at Castlemaine.

Pieces to be performed by the 50-piece string orchestra will include including Vivaldi’s Spring concerto (from the Four Seasons) with soloist Thomasina Challender, the beloved Adagio from the ballet Spartacus by Khachaturian and a compelling string orchestra arrangement of Holst’s Mars (The Planets Suite).

Also featured in the concerts will be newly formed quartets playing works by Mendelssohn and Nardini. The quartets have been tutored by Resonance Artistic Patron Zoe Knighton under a partnership between Resonance and the acclaimed Flinders Quartet.

Other program highlights are Melbourne-based composer Dindy Vaughan’s evocative Can’t Put Out the Flame suite and the premiere of three works by co-artistic director Emma Wade.

With additional works by Bartok, Prokofiev, Shostakovich and the Danish String Quartet, this concert will have something for everyone!

Where: Castlemaine Town Hall, 3pm October 16.

Tickets: $25/$15/$60 from Trybooking: https://www. trybooking.com/CCQDO.

Phoenix Macedon Ranges Art & Craft

The members of the Phoenix Macedon Ranges Art & Craft group were very happy to be back and hold our first exhibition in two years, in March. We truly appreciated the support of the local community to make the exhibition the success that it was, even though we faced roadwork challenges around the Court House, where the exhibition was held, at the time.

Phoenix members use many media in their art and crafts, including painting, pottery, weaving, glass and jewellery.

If you would like to find out more about our history, work and the next exhibition, which will be held on Saturday December 3 and Sunday 4 (Gisborne Christmas Market Day), you can visit our website phoenixmrac.com.

If you are interested in joining the group, contact our long-time member Kay Beale on 9744 2646. Dianne Egan

Out of the ashes comes a warm inner glow

When David Laity lost almost everything he owned in the devastation of the Black Saturday fires, so moved was he by the support he received, that he resolved to pay that help forward.

He established Goodwill Wine, an enterprise whose ethos is to offer fine affordable wines in support of wor thy causes. Half of all David’s profits are donated to nominated charities and service organisations. In the years since its inception, Goodwill Wines has donated more than $450,000.

In partnership with Macedon Ranges Rural Aus tralians for Refugees, Goodwill Wines will host an evening of wine tasting on October 28 at Norma Richardson Hall, Buckland Street, Woodend. Entry is $20 and includes wine tasting, finger food and music by Trio Elegante of Bendigo. The event be gins at 7pm and will feature a silent auction and the drawing of MRRAR’s raffle, tickets for which can be bought at the door, subject to availability.

Receipts from admission, silent auction, raffle sales and 50% of profits from all wine sales will be donated to the support of refugees in Australia. All are welcome. The knowledge that you are helping to support a worthwhile cause should promote a warm inner glow – as, no doubt, will the wine.

Bookings are essential and can be made through Trybooking: www.trybooking.com/CCULD.

Submitted by Andrew Grimes

A sample from the last exhibition

Come and sing Beethoven with us

SHOWS

HALL

What's happening in the world of craft?

Fancy being on stage with the popular baritone Teddy Tahu Rhodes as one of the soloists? You could be doing just that if you join The Gisborne Singers and Bendigo Symphony Orchestra in Symphonia Choralis to be held on December 10 and 11 at the amazing Ulumbarra Theatre in Bendigo.

Singers

The weekend choral festival culminates with a massed choir performance of Beet-hoven’s Ninth Symphony (Ode to Joy). Teddy Tahu Rhodes is Australia’s favourite leading man of the operatic, music theatre and concert stage, dazzling audiences with his voice and presence.

New Zealand-born, Rhodes has an international career both on the opera stage and concert platform. He is also a regular guest with all the major Australasian orchestras.

He is joined by the distinguished and versatile soprano Merlyn Quaife AM, American mezzo soprano Kristen Leich, and emerging leading tenor Michael Petruccelli.

There is a fee to participate (includes all workshops, concerts, music, MIDI files and six weeks of practices with the Gisborne Singers). concession/student $150, full $170.

Live out a dream and come sing this great work with us. Book now on Trybooking, www.trybooking. com/CAGDQ. For more details, email events@ gisbornesingers.org.au or go to Facebook: @gisbor nesingerssymphoniachoralis.

Concert tickets through Bendigo Venues and Events: concession/student $45, full $55.

Choir practice night is Wednesday from 7:30pm to 10pm at the Gisborne Uniting Church, Brantome Street, Gisborne. Enquiries via www. gisbornesingers.org.au or phone 0408 156 263.

Lior & Domini – Animal in Hiding 7.30pm, Friday October 21

The first release from a collaboration between one of Australia’s most established and critically acclaimed singer/songwriters Lior, together with exciting emerging artist Domini Forster. Featuring songs that are rooted in intimate storytelling, underpinned by intricate guitar, Lior and Domini’s close vocal harmonies are the focal point of the songs harking back to the iconic folk duos of the '60s.

Jude Perl: Participation Award 8pm, Thursday November 10

An entertaining musicalcomedy exploration of bullying and our school system, featuring Jude Perl’s unique brand of stream-ofconsciousness style songwriting.

To buy tickets, call 1300 888 802 (8.30am-3pm, weekdays) or visit mrsc.vic.gov.au/buytickets.

Carols confirmed

Dates for the muchloved local community carols events have been confirmed:

Gisborne Carols by Candlelight will be held on Sunday December 4 at Dixon Field.

Macedon and Mount Macedon Carols by Candlelight will be on Tuesday December 7 at Tony Clarke Reserve.

A number of developments have transpired in the local world of craft that I would like to share.

The ‘Crochet and Conversation’ group meets on the first Monday of the month between 2pm and 3pm at Gisborne Library.

Crochet is a craft for all stages of life, a portable and inexpensive hobby to start and a lifelong fascination to develop. There is no joining fee and you can get free help with your current projects. If you’ve never tried crocheting, this is your chance.

If you are looking for more of a classroom style approach to learning, another avenue to explore is the Macedon Ranges Further Education Centre which is offering knitting/crochet at all skills levels.

The Gisborne Market is back: I am always on the lookout at markets for crocheters, in particular, and others who are makers/crafters. Wendy, who I discovered at her market stall ‘Rainbow Petals’, developed a full-time interest in crochet upon retirement.

Another maker stumbled upon at the Macedon market is an exciting ceramicist; Sarah Caddy handcrafts a range of distinctive individual ceramic pieces in the Macedon Ranges.

Last, the 100th Sunbury Show is scheduled for October 8, 8.30am to 9pm, and winning entries are on display and include a wide array of crafts. Yet another way to pass an afternoon and marvel at the creativity and detail of crafted items.

Mary-Beth O’Brien

Art show opening night Friday October 28, 6pm at the Pavilion, Agnes Mudford Reserve, $10 entry. Continues Sat-Sun October 29-30, 10am-4pm.

Craft and produce market Saturday October 29, 10am-2pm

Alison Kinghorn

the Gisborne

Teddy Tahu Rhodes

Lior and Domini

On the trail

LOCAL HISTORY of

HOWEY ST

HENRY HOWEY

Astone cairn, with bronze tablet

attached, was erected by the Gisborne Old Boys' Association to commemorate Henry Howey as the first grazier (or squatter) to settle in Gisborne. The cairn stands in front of the Mechanics Institute in Hamilton Street. The cairn was unveiled in 1915 and a bronze bust of Howey (a gift from the Howey family in England) was added in 1927.

The bronze tablet declares that How ey “SETTLED ON THIS FLAT” in “MAY 1837”. There were no newspapers in the Port Phillip District in 1837 to pub lish local news; consequently, details are sparse of Howey’s activities in arranging the occupation of his leases at Gisborne. There is conjecture that Howey organ ised everything through proxies and nev er set foot upon his Gisborne leases.

The intent of this article is to put for ward evidence that Henry Howey quite likely did visit Gisborne in May of 1837. The method used was to collate evi dence in a spreadsheet which details the 1837 time-interrelationship of Howey’s employees overlanding stock from Goul burn to the Port Phillip District, Henry Howey’s arrival and activities in the Port Phillip District and Governor Bourke’s ar rival and activities in the new settlement.

Overlanding stock from Goulburn to the Port Phillip District

At the end of 1836, Henry Howey was a successful grazier in New South Wales. He and other squatters were eager to ex pand their land holdings by grant, by pur chase, or by lease, in fact by whatever means to provide further areas for their expanding flocks and herds.

Then came news from Port Phillip of fine grassy plains just discovered and opened up to the south of the Murray River. Other squatters, such as Charles Bonney and Charles Ebden, eagerly drove their mobs of sheep across the Murray, and close behind came Howey’s stock from his property ‘Strathern’, near Goulburn, seeking new territory.

News was sparse from the Sydney newspapers in those days of the migra tion of squatters to the Port Phillip District and so it was difficult to furnish any de tails unless – indeed, like Mollison, who came immediately after Howey – the overlanders kept a diary of their exploits.

But in the case of Howey, we read in The Australian (Sydney) of 31 March

The conventional wisdom is that Henry Howey, who claimed a big chunk of land around Gisborne in 1837, did not ever set foot in the district himself.

Robin Godfrey has done a deep dive into newly available information and finds that Howey had plenty of opportunity to have visited Gisborne to check out his leases. Part 1

Shipping information in The Sydney Monitor of 17 March 1837 shows that Howey sailed from Sydney on the barque 'Regia’ for Port Phillip on 15 March. The ‘Regia’ arrived at Port Phillip on 3 April. Howey had some stud sheep also des tined for Port Phillip which he transport ed by sea rather than risk them on the overland route with the rest of his stock.

The report of the loss of Howey's overland party was shown to be errone ous when The Australian of 7 April 1837 reported that Mr Hamilton was safe…

“A gentleman of the name of Hallen [sic: Allen], part owner of the stock that was sent to Port Phillip

under the care of Mr George Hamilton, and for whose safety some fears were entertained, called at our office last night, and informed us that he had just received a communication from Mr Hamilton, stat ing that he and his party had arrived safe at their place of destination; but that they had suffered very severely for six or sev en days for want of water.”

From this report it is established that Hamilton and the overlanded stock arrived in the vicinity of their destination before 7 April.

The Sydney Herald of 10 April pub lished additional reports that the news paper had received letters from Hamilton which stated that George Hamilton was safe and that one of the men in his party had lost a small flock of sheep which had became scattered. This had given rise to the false rumour of the party having been attacked by Aborigines.

1837 a few details which are helpful: “We regret to have received intelligence which places almost beyond doubt the fact of murder by the Aborigines of a party of men on their way to Port Phillip.

Mr Howey, a wealthy squatter near Goulburn, having resolved to try his fortune at the new settlement, entrusted his stock, consisting of 4000 sheep and 800 head of cattle, to a young gentleman of the name of Mr [George] Hamilton, who, with a party of 12 men, started about a month ago on his journey. Nothing whatever has been heard of the party, but the sheep, or part of them, have been picked up in various parts of the line of Port Phillip; a few cattle known to be those of the party have also been found scattered about.”

This report later discovered to be erroneous is valuable for identifying an approximate date for the departure of Howey’s stock from Goulburn the end of February 1837 and also as evidence that Howey himself did not ac company his stock but, instead, put it un der the care of a superintendent, George Hamilton, and the team of drovers.

Henry Howey was born into a land-owning family in Northumberland in 1804. He arrived in New South Wales in 1825 and settled in the Goulburn area. In 1826 he married Maria Minchin, from the family after whom Minchinbury, NSW, is named.

Henry Howey was at the Melbourne land sales which took place on 1 June 1837 and three days later, on the fourth, he sailed on the ‘Prince George’ from Port Phillip for Sydney, via Launceston. After 18 days of sailing, Howey arrived in Sydney on 22 June. In The Sydney Her ald of that date, Howey confirms the er roneous report of the loss of his sheep and cattle while they were being driven to the Port Phillip District.

The Sydney Monitor of 26 June re ports that Howey also said, “The track pursued by Mr Ebden, on his overland journey to Port Phillip, is considered pref erable to the one by which Major Mitchell travelled, the latter track being ill provid ed with water, while on the former, good pasture and water can be obtained near ly the whole way.”

For Henry Howey to be able to confirm the false report of the loss of his stock and to comment on the best overland route, he must have met or corresponded with George Hamilton after Hamilton arrived with his stock at or in the vicinity of Howey's Mt Macedon leases. (At this time, the area covering today's Gisborne, Sunbury, Mt Macedon and around Kyneton was broadly known as 'Mt Macedon'.)

Henry Howey’s arrival at Port Phil lip, on 3 April 1837, until his presence at the Melbourne land sales on 1 June, gives Howey 58 days of opportunity to visit his selected leases and potentially to supervise the construction of huts with George Hamilton and his men. Howey's

Howey memorial plaque on the cairn.

HISTORICAL HAPPENINGS

You may wish to visit the Court House either individually or as a group to see the many features available.

The Court House is open each Wednesday for research enquiries and to enable visitors to view the original Courthouse interior. The jail and stables are open daily from 10am to 2pm.

Things for visitors to do at the Court House

You may also wish to organise an evening group talk or organise a group visit as Scout Groups have done recently.

We are currently planning a visit from 80 schoolchildren who will see the Court House, the bluestone History Wall, and the jail and stables. They will also be taken for a walk along to the

Cenotaph to view the plaques and monuments.

The society will conduct a twilight cemetery walk at Macedon Cemetery on Wednesday November 9. All are welcome: meet at the gate in Bent Street at 5pm. A gold coin donation would be appreciated.

On the trail of HENRY HOWEY...

group of drovers had dwindled a little by this point – all convicts under the charge of the "young gentleman of good family" Hamilton, three of the men absconded on arrival in Port Phillip.

The Head Station of Howey’s leases was located where Gisborne is situated today. Alexander Mollison's diary entry for 31 July 1837 confirms that Howey’s huts were already erected when he rounded Mount Macedon and passed through the site of the present township of Gisborne.

Mollison, overlanding on the Major Mitchell trail, had reached Ebden’s station on the Campaspe (which is where Carl sruhe is situated today). Ebden told him that the dray track from his station over the Macedon range was very circuitous. Mollison yoked up the bullocks to his dray and proceeded to Mount Macedon.

An extract from his diary for 31 July reads: "…While following a range which I hoped would lead us out of the broken hills, we came on a single dray-track with cattle tracks, which ran exactly in the direction we were on. We followed this track until it was joined by returning dray-tracks…Crossing a swamp [where the Gisborne Steam Park is now situat ed] and proceeding along the main track, we crossed a creek [Jacksons Creek] and ascended a hill and encamped on the site of a lagoon.”

Mollison noted that Howey’s Head Sta tion hut was already erected on this site and Howey’s out-station huts were erect ed elsewhere on his leases.

I have produced a map on which both

the Hume and Hovell trail (of 1824) and the Major Mitchell trail (of 1836) are plot ted. It is immediately apparent that both trails coincide between where today the towns of Wangaratta and Euroa are lo cated.

In the publication Historical Notes: Charles Bonney and the Fertile Kilmore Plains by Martin Williams, there is valu able information pertaining to the route which George Hamilton took as he drove Howey’s stock to the Port Phillip District.

Charles Bonney, on 1 March 1837, set out from where Albury is situated today with 10,000 of Ebden’s sheep for Port Phillip. Having crossed the Goul burn River, the sheep were halted on some open country at Sugarloaf Creek, where Ebden intended to place them. After his arrival there about 18 March, Bonney was made aware of the prox imity of another overland party about a day’s journey behind him, which was Howey's group under the leadership of

We're Hiring

George Hamilton. It has been estimat ed that Hamilton was in the vicinity of Sugarloaf Creek Station (just west of where Tallarook is situated today) on about 18 March 1837. The map (at left) shows the assumed route that George Hamilton took with Howey’s stock when he veered west (about where Kilmore is located today) from the Hume and Hovell trail on his way to where Howey had organised leases in the Macedon Ranges.

Bonney took two drays to the early Melbourne settlement to buy supplies, departing Sugarloaf Creek about 19 March. Bonney’s journey to Melbourne made a track which afterwards became known as the Sydney Road. He also, at the same time, discovered the fertile plains which were later named as Kilmore.

In May of 1837, Ebden began driv ing 9000 of the flock of sheep at Sug arloaf Creek to his station at Carlsruhe which he subsequently occupied on 26 May 1837. Bonney, soon after Ebden, also vacated Sugarloaf Creek with the remaining two flocks of sheep, of which he had taken charge, and moved them to Kilmore. The remoteness of Kilmore from Melbourne meant that Bonney had difficulty in finding men to employ to help manage his flocks; consequently, after squatting at Kilmore for only six months, Bonney moved his flocks to Mount Macedon.

To be concluded in November issue

Casual Group Facilitator Blue EDGE Gisborne

Blue EDGE (Educate, Develop, Grow, Empower) is a before-school experiential learning program run by Blue Light Victoria in partnership with the Victoria Police. It is delivered twice weekly, for 8 weeks during the school term to a select group of 20 young people aged 12-15.

training

$42.55

Map of overland trails to the Port Phillip District in 1837

Lindsay Armstrong

The reigning monarch may have changed, but a photo of Queen Victoria stays above the magistrate’s bench in the Court House to keep the space true to the period of its last official use.

Orange November

CWA GISBORNE

Like several other CWA branches, we had a busy weekend in Kyneton at the Daffodil Festival in September. Maybe because of the COVID break, there seemed to be more people visiting and we were serving afternoon teas right up to the last minute.

All the stalls had good support and were run by Kyneton, Gisborne, Macedon, Romsey and Craigieburn branches.

In November we will wear orange to support Associated Country Women of the World with its connection to CWA and its voice against family vio lence. We will join in a walk in Kyneton and lunch at the RSL on November 25.

We are starting to collect contents for the Share the Dignity bags for which we have made donations the last few years. This is a charity that helps women ex periencing homelessness, fleeing do mestic violence or just doing it tough. Each bag contains toiletries, sanitary products and usually something little extra to cheer them up.

The next meeting is October 10, 10am at Gisborne Secondary College, followed by the AGM, when elections will take place for new office bearers. We would also love to see a flower from your spring garden. Coffee, Craft and Chat will be the following Monday, October 17, at the same venue.

Christine Edwards

Movie fundraiser promises fun nght out

CWA MACEDON

Macedon CWA had a busy weekend at the Kyneton Daffodil Festival on September 10 to 11.

Overseen by Kyneton CWA, we joined with other branches of the Central Highlands Group to sell refreshments and baked goodies, preserves, plants, crafts and more.

We have now turned to our next fundraiser. This will take the form of a movie night to see Mrs Harris Goes to Paris. This promises to be a light-hearted, fun night out.

It will be held at Readings Cinemas Sunbury on Monday October 31 at 6.30pm. Admission at $20 per person includes a ticket to the door prize raffle drawn on the night.

Tickets are available online through Trybooking (https:www.trybooking.com/CCLRY) or in person at Office National in Prince Street, Gisborne (cash and EFTPOS accepted).

We would love you to join us and help to make this a successful fundraiser to enable us to help others. For more information, please call Val on 0408 998 927.

Macedon Branch always welcome new members. Please call Anne on 54 262 210 if you would like to know more about the Macedon Branch of CWA.

Anne Fyfield, president, Macedon CWA

Probus Club visits

historic property

On the Probus Club's visit to the heritage-listed Beleura house and gardens on the Mornington Peninsula, members said it was more than worth the early start to be able to spend time to explore the historic Italianate villa designed by architect Joseph Reed for James Butchart in 1863.

The last owner, the composer John Tallis, bequeathed the property to Heritage Victoria and it includes all the original furnishings, personal art collection, household memorabilia and a garage containing vintage cars.

On arrival in Mornington, we were picked up by the Beleura bus to begin the tour. First stop was a delicious morning tea, followed by a complete tour of the house, garage, cottages and gardens, including the tower which gave wonderful views over the five hectares of gardens. What really impressed us were two grand pianos made from Huon pine.

Finally, off to have a light lunch before travelling back to Gisborne.

If you want to learn more about the Probus Club of Gisborne, you are very welcome to join us, on the first Thursday of the month in the Gisborne Community Hall (old Senior Citizens Room) at the Gisborne Community Centre at 10am. For further information you can contact our president, George Peart on 0419 610 811.

Gisborne Library is proud to join the growing number of public libraries no longer charging late fees for overdue items.

Public libraries are all about providing free and universal access to information. Late fees sometimes made access tricky, so Goldfields Libraries made the decision to remove them.

A small fine just because you returned a library book a few days late should not get between you and your library. Everyone should be able to enjoy the library, borrow as many books and DVDs as they can carry,

and keep coming back for more!

This also means that if you had overdue fines on your account, they are now gone too.

But won’t that stop people from bringing the books back, some people asked. We are following the lead of many other public libraries who have removed late fees. Research has shown that it actually results in increased visitation, borrowing and

returns. Why? Because people are not worried about paying fines.

So, if you’ve got a pile of books at home that you were too scared to bring back because you were worried about the fine, please return them now without any fear.

What’s on

Some highlights coming up: Crochet and Conversation, October 3, 2-3pm

Learn about My Health Record, telehealth, eScripts and other digital health topics, October 7, 11.30-1pm

Movie Club – The Good Liar, October 12, 1-3pm

Peter Quarry, psychologist and author, October 14, 2-3pm

Learn how to use nature apps, October 18, 11.30-12.30

Writing workshop – 'Finding the Plot' with Alicia Thompson, October 28, 11-1

Peter Fitzsimons – The Battle of Long Tan, November 11, 12-1pm

For further information or to book, head to our website at www. goldfieldslibraries.com/gisborneevents or come into the library

George Peart, Anne Peart, Josephine Desira, Margaret Jinks and Barbara Boyd at Beleura.

Christine Edwards

Dianne Egan

Allison Baker and Margaret Domsic staff the craft stall in Kyneton.

Did your ancestor know medieval kings?

It is relatively easy to trace your ancestors, if they are of British stock, back to the 1700s or earlier using birth, marriage and death records, census records (from 1841), and many other records that are often online.

But what about proof of the existence of your family in medieval times? Well, there are records in existence, the most useful being manorial records. These contain information about people from all social classes.

What these records include, and where to find them, will be the topic at the next meeting of the Gisborne Genealogical Group on Thursday October 27. We meet in the Uniting Church, Brantome Street, Gisborne at 7.30pm. Visitors are always welcome at our meetings.

We only have two more Saturday workshops this year.

On Saturday October 1 the topic will be ‘Using Directories in Genealogy’, and on Saturday November 5 we’ll take a look at ‘The National Archives (UK)’. To book please contact Lorna on 0402 091 034.

The cost is $10 for members, $15 for non-members. More details are on our website, www. ggg.org.au.

On September 10 some of our members travelled to Bendigo to conduct research at the Bendigo Library, where they were assisted by the Bendigo Family History Group. They then visited the Military Museum.

The group had an enjoyable and productive day.

Thank you to Mary Ritchie for organising the outing.

The Family History Room, adjoining the Gisborne Library, is open on Tuesdays from 10am to 1pm, and on Thursdays from 2pm to 5pm.

Lyn Hall

Low-maintenance lovelies: benefits of indigenous plants

Many people are probably familiar with native plants, but what are indigenous plants and why are they a better choice for gardens?

While native plants come from anywhere in Australia, indigenous plants orig inate from a more specific area, or bioregion.

Take a few minutes to help record birds

Daly Nature Reserve News

Can you spare 20 minutes? Birdlife Australia conducts its annual bird count from October 17 to October 23. All of us can contribute by sitting in our gardens for 20 minutes and recording all the birds we observe.

Perhaps you would prefer to choose your favourite park, nature reserve or hilly lookout. You are able to make several uploads during the week.

The nationwide project creates a broad picture of where bird species dwell and gives indications of endangered birds. Upload your findings on the Aussie Backyard Birds app or download via the web.

What a pleasure it was to hold this year’s Annual General Meeting on September 10 in the scout hall in Gisborne, after two years of Zoom meetings.

Austral stork’s bill, indigenous to local bioregions.

Greater Western Water rec ommends peo ple use indige nous plants, as they are per fectly adapt ed to the local soil, climate and geology –meaning less maintenance and a reduced water bill. And while you enjoy your garden, so will the local bees, birds and animals that may soon to be paying a visit.

Local bioregions

In Macedon Ranges Shire, the bioregions are Cen tral Victorian Uplands, Victorian Volcanic Plains, or both.

Find out more about biodiversity and bioregions at environment.vic.gov.au/biodiversity.

We enjoyed a walk identifying wattles in the reserve and tasting wattle seed biscuits provided by Murnong Mammas catering group.

Thank you to Macedon Ranges Shire Council environment team for collaboration on Wattle Day celebrations with Friends of Daly Nature Reserve and Friends of Gisborne Botanic Gardens.

During spring we hold two working bees each month. You are welcome to join us on Tuesday October 11 or 25, 9.30am-11am, followed by a welcome cuppa.

Enquiries to dalynaturereserve@gmail.com.

Friends of Daly Nature Reserve

YOU CAN HELP WITH MACEDON RANGES BIRD BLITZ

Whether seasoned birders or fledgling beginners, all are invited to participate in the annual Macedon Ranges Bird Blitz.

We have 84 bird monitoring sites to survey across the Macedon Ranges Shire. Bird monitoring helps the Council to assess the health of reserves and roadsides, and includes recording the species and numbers of birds present such as the threatened gang-gang cockatoo.

On the Bird Blitz day, Sunday October 16 (9.30

am to 3pm) participants gather at Hanging Rock Reserve then break into small groups to fan out across the shire to survey three or four sites each. Each group will have a leader who is confident with bird identification.

Participants are also invited to attend an online webinar the week before the surveys to discuss sites and survey methodology.

To register, visit mrsc.vic.gov.au/bird-blitz or contact Tanya Loos at 5422 0333.

Lyn Hall

Vet Talk Tribute to King Charles

I can’t resist.

Rather an endearing type, the King Charles spaniel was made famous by association with an earlier King Charles – the second, reigning in the 1660s. The court of Charles II was renowned for a certain frivolity and hedonism which left him plenty of children but no direct heirs to the throne.

The spaniels themselves claim a long link with international canine royalty, including the golden Pekingese of China’s courts, and the Imperial Japanese chin.

The King Charles itself was found to be somewhat hampered in getting around in the real world – if the requirement was for hunting suitability – as these spaniels exhibit a rather diminished stature and may prefer the parlour to the open paddock.

It is generally accepted that a tendency to weakness of the heart valves does plague their long-term health and fortitude. Yet the endearing features, floppy ears, domed head and flat face, ensure a certain pathos and acceptance in the eye of the beholder, in what is a delightfully regal, albeit somewhat languorous, lapdog.

The Cavalier breed, with longer nose and less domed skull, was an attempt to recreate the King’s preference, and is now recognised as a separate

breed. A delightful and loyal little dog, the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel does remain a family favourite, though perhaps lacks the hardy endurance and independent tenacity we used to see in now less popular breeds … such as the almost anachronistic corgi.

“Long live the King”.

Whether

A dog for all seasons

Our September new members induction was typical of spring weather, but we still had 15 new members join us.

Spring is here and warm temperatures and adventures in the garden will return to their maximum splendour for our canine friends. But it is also a time when, like humans, dogs suffer more from allergies and other issues which spring weather brings.

Ticks: more active in spring, ticks reappear and eggs hatch. Found in green areas, lawns/bushes, they can cause serious problems, including tick paralysis.

Fleas and mosquitoes: both can transmit disease and cause other issues like weight loss, skin problems and bleeding. Fleas will become more present and annoying.

Allergies: spring can cause allergies for different reasons. House dust from spring cleaning, mites, and pollens from flowers and trees, can cause atopy, which can be respiratory (like hay fever) or like dermatitis, which can cause severe itching where your dog may chew, lick and scratch until they bleed.

So, this spring, keep a watchful eye on your furry friends (including your cats) and help them stay healthy

Visit our website at www.macedonrangesdogclub. org.au, Facebook page, or email us at info@macedon rangesdogclub.org.au and we will contact you.

Carol, instructor/treasurer

with Dr Caitlin Horwood-Skelton

Vet nurse Katrina with Squizzy the Cavalier King Charles.

quiz

1. Which gas makes up approximately 80% of our atmosphere?

2. Used for drying clothes is the 'Hills' what?

3. What is the largest bone in the human body?

4. What is the fastest animal on land?

5. What is the common household substance sodium chloride better known as?

6. How many vowels are there in the English alphabet?

7. Which famous ship sank on its maiden voyage in 1912?

8. From which fruit is wine made?

9. In a standard Monopoly game, how many dollars do you get if you pass GO?

10. What is a male goose called?

jokes & riddles

What’s a math teacher’s favorite winter sport?

Figure skating

Why was the politician out of breath? She was running for office

What did the mother cow say to the calf? It’s pasture bedtime!

Why did the fastest cat in class get kicked out of school? He was a cheetah

How do you stop a bull from charging? Take away its credit card

What do you call a flower that runs on electricity? A power plant

spot the difference

Book Week celebrations at Swinburne Kinder

This year’s Book Week celebrations were thoroughly enjoyed by the children at Swinburne Avenue Kindergarten. The theme, ‘Dreaming with Eyes Open’, inspired families to get creative and come up with some wonderful costumes.

Princesses and butterflies were popular choices, as well as superheroes, animal characters and favourites such as Where’s Wally.

In the lead-up to the dress-up day, the children read some of the shortlisted books and they were encouraged to bring their own books along to match their costume.

The CBCA Early Childhood book of the year was awarded to Jetty Jumping, written by Andrea Rowe and illustrated by Hannah Sommerville. Jetty Jumping is a beautiful story set on the Australian beach that explores how we can overcome our fears.

Mila as Wonder Woman and Tilly as a butterfly

Layout team for this month’s Gazette

This edition of the Gazette was laid out with the help of these Year 5 and 6 students at Willowbank Primary School. During the session, the various jobs you could have at a newspaper were discussed and most of the students liked 'deliverer'. Getting a hard copy newspaper into readers' hands takes many roles!

Harlow, Miley, Brody, Hayden, James, Elias after completing the layout. It was ‘footy day’ at school, for the last day of term.

There are 10 differences in these two drawings. Can you find them all?

Drawing by Eliza Ransome

Matilda as Frida

Max as Captain America

SCHOOL'S IN

Building swimming skills at Willowbank

This term, the Year 3-6 students from Willowbank Primary School went to Gisborne Aquatic Centre for swimming lessons. The program started on August 29 and lasted for five days. We were split into groups based on our skill level, and we all had a swimming instructor who taught us rescues, backstroke, freestyle, laps, survival swimming, submarine and breaststroke.

My favourite skill was when we did chickenaeroplane-soldier (survival backstroke).

We learnt how to rescue someone, and what we should do when being rescued. It is really important to know this because if you fell into a lake or were lost at sea you would know how to call for help and stay safe. We also learnt how to swim in our clothes, which was helpful because if you accidentally fell into water you wouldn’t be in your bathers or goggles.

We all had lots of fun and learnt lots of new skills that we will use in future swimming.

Inspired by reading challenge

As Dr Seuss, the famous author, once said, “The more that you read, the more things you will know. The more that you learn, the more places you’ll go.”

Basically, he is saying “reading is awesome”. That is why New Gisborne Primary School started participating in the Victorian Premier’s Reading Challenge.

The challenge is a fun program that encourages students from Foundation to Year 6 to read every day. The aim is to read as many books as the challenge requires you to read. You can also challenge yourself to write reviews and leave star ratings for books.

New Gisborne Primary School started taking part in the challenge in 2005 and has been a part of it ever since.

Did you know that reading has many benefits?

If you read every day, you are definitely a healthy person. Reading increases your knowledge of new vocabulary, fantastic stories and interesting facts.

At our school we enjoy doing the Premier’s Reading Challenge, coordinated by our wonderful teachers Mrs Miller and Mrs Dawson.

This year our school’s students read 7785 books. As well as that, 197 students completed the challenge. Next term, students who have extended themselves to read all those books will receive certificates at assembly.

If you like reading, maybe this article might inspire you or your school to read more and participate in next year’s challenge!

By Edith, Year 4 reporter

Open for business at Gisborne Primary

Over the past two months the Year 5/6 students have been creating products for their own small businesses. Each business was given a budget of $15 per group member to create products. They had to market their products to the other students in an attempt to make a profit.

After a lot of hard work and creativity, the businesses opened their stalls to the rest of the school on September 6. One year level at a time, students and teachers came through the doors and began exploring products they would like to buy. Some stalls had incredible goods and marketing strategies that would make them over a hundred dollars; others struggled for sales and did not make enough money to overcome their debt.

Overall, this was a great learning experience

and I’m sure everyone who was involved had an amazing time with this fun event.

By Cooper, Year 6 Writers’ Club

Musical talent is strong

On September 2 Gisborne Primary School had its first music recital since 2019, when we first formed our school band. It was held in the Barcham Theatre at Gisborne Secondary College.

The recital included all the different types of music programs our school has to offer, such as singing, guitar, drums, piano, violin, keyboard, ukulele and more.

Everybody loved it and the performers were amazing. The families of the young musicians were cheering and encouraging their children. It was a lovely time for all.

By Lachlan S, Year 4 Writers’ Club

Proudly sponsored by ALAN PERRY, BJ JP 'Spirit of the community'

By Coco, Year 5

Claire, Edith, Coen and Anakin celebrate the Premier’s Reading Challenge with special bookmarks.

Edith

Willowbank students learn swimming skills to help prepare them for any eventuality.

St Brigid's holds special celebration of learning

The shadow puppet show was enthralling.

Macedon Primary school expo 'stuns'

The Macedon Primary School Expo on September 8 was quite the occasion. There were so many activities to entertain the visitors who arrived at this special event.

The Grade 5 and 6 arcade and cinema were filled with people loving the enthralling videos and games. The arcade was filled with bright lights and loud noises from a huge array of games. In the cinema, two gold class seats were regularly occupied by the video producers.

The shadow performance in Mr B’s room was a captivating display of creativity and adroitness and parents were astonished by the impressive costumes. There were three songs in a spectacular musical and it was so crowded that it was nearly impossible to get in.

The Grade 3 and 4 classrooms were a treat for the eyes. They were impressive beyond belief. Mr Smith’s room was expertly decorated to resemble a nocturnal animal’s habitat. Miss Glassy and Miss Slater’s room was decorated to look like an ocean with penguins, narwhals, whales, fish, octopi and squid. The walls were covered with shades of light and dark blue paper to give the ocean feel.

Students created high quality displays on their desks to show the biodiversity of our oceans. Mrs Wuthrich made an extraordinary rainforest exhibit. Her class created small boxes on their tables to look like rainforest terrariums with paper, cardboard and plastic.

The entire room was decorated and almost made visitors believe they were in a real rainforest.

In Mrs Coates and Mrs Smillie’s Grade 1 and 2 classroom, an enthralling space display was assembled including many creative slideshows and a giant colourful cardboard rocket ship. There were dazzling stars hanging from the ceiling and many parents and members of the community enjoyed the memorable experience.

Macedon Primary School’s wonderful Indonesian teacher, Bu Deryn, put together an astounding e-book with the students from each Grade 5 and 6 class. The book has a decorated page for every student and student group. It has the information that students gathered during the weeks preceding the expo. ('Bu' is the respectful way to address a teacher in Indonesia).

The Grade 3 and 4 students experimented growing coriander around their classrooms in Indonesian. Their results were mixed.

In the Prep rooms they constructed their own toy designs, such as spinning tops, paper planes, kites and kaleidoscopes. They also put up a cluster of paper chains around their classroom walls.

Many parents and community members enjoyed the marvellous displays and activities. Altogether the Macedon Primary School Expo was an enormous success.

By Oscar and Cody

Spring finally breaks through

The beautiful flowers are blooming as spring is finally rolling in. After a long and cold winter, every now and again the sun comes. The flowers are raising themselves from the ground in various colours and shades, bringing more colour, smells and more creatures and animals all around.

Not too long ago our school had Hotshots Tennis and Basketball. It was nice competing against other schools in fun games.

It is great to see people trying new sports even if they have never played them before. We all had a lot

of fun and did a really good job.

In the last Gazette I mentioned the school production. The production was called Bug Boogie There were five performances over four days, bringing the community together through a dramatic production which included all students at the school.

After the holidays our school will host a fete. It is held every two years and it is an opportunity for the community to come along and visit stalls and have a chat with family and friends.

As I write this at the end of term, I hope everyone has a great holiday and a nice break. Let’s rest up for the last term of school for this year.

Eliza Ransome

S Brigid's

The 'Celebration of Learning' at St Brigid’s Primary School in the last week of Term 3 was a wonderful event that brought parents, carers, grandparents, extended family members and friends back into the school community to celebrate the learning and growth of our students our positive change makers.

The displays of creativity and collaboration from the students were incredible, and only possible through the preparation and commitment of our incredible staff.

Cruz Vickers and his mum, Nicole.

Emma Buttigieg and her grandmother, Jenny.

A dinosaur by Alistair.

And here we are again. Term 3 has whizzed by at Gisborne Secondary College, and we’ve made it to the holidays.

Our local Member of Parliament and Health Minister, MaryAnne Thomas, stopped by the school in September. Our Student Representative Council members engaged in fruitful conversation involving the future of our state.

Division Athletics were held, and our students fought hard for glory. Gisborne Secondary College were defending champs and competed across all the events.

Back at home base, another heated 'Year 12 v teacher' volleyball game took place this term.

The annual game was lots of fun, but it is sad to say that youth and confidence do not make up for a lack of coordination and knowledge of the rules, as the teachers grabbed their third straight victory.

What's the prize for this accomplishment? Major bragging rights until they face off against us next time.

This term was an important one for Year 12s as it was included in our final SACs (school assessed coursework). But before we celebrate the end of school, we are getting prepared for the exams next term.

The GAT (general achievement test) also took place for Year 12s – we took part in the gruelling four-plus hour test and we learnt about how to stay safe on e-scooters.

We have said goodbye to many of our Year 12 VCAL students as they finish all of their final assignments and projects.

Montessori pupils see different aspects of life

Happy campers

Our Cycle 2, 3 and 4 students attended their annual camp for 2022 – a much-anticipated three days and a first for some of the students. This year’s camp saw the students pack into the buses and leave the school about 9.20am, heading for Lady Northcote Recreation Camp at Glenmore.

Students and teachers had the opportunity to engage in a variety of activities, which included canoeing, rafting, orienteering, the low-ropes course, archery, frisbee golf (played around a course but throwing discs into wire cups), trivia, a dance party, toasting marshmallows and playing in the Gaga Pit! Lots of firsts for many involved.

What students had to say

“It was really fun and I really liked it but I think the bedding, you know the mattress that you sleep on, was too thin. My favourite was canoeing.” (Flynn, Cycle 3);

Donation to Foodbank

Olive and Emme

“Well, my favourite part about it was the giant swing: I went to the top and, when I pulled down on the rope, I felt all the wind. It felt like I was flying; it felt like I was over the trees.’’ (Niah, Cycle 3);

“The thing that I most enjoyed was the giant swing because it was so much fun and I wanted to do it again.” (Frankie, Cycle 3);

“I liked the canoeing and the giant swing. The food was all right; the breakfast was my favourite, the bacon and the pancakes –but the bacon was my favourite.” (Sol, Cycle 3).

Everyone returned to school quite tired but can leave the 2022 camp knowing they have made lots of new memories, participated in great experiences, engaged in many firsts and tried things they might not have had the chance to elsewhere.

Holy Cross ends term on a footy high

The end of September is known for its footy finals’ atmosphere and to celebrate our Feast Day, on the last day of term, children came to school in a sea of footy colours.

There was great excitement and lots of conversation about which team was followed and why; predictions were also made about who would be premiers this year!

The children started the day in their House groups with all year levels joining in activities together. It was wonderful to see children of all ages

interacting and learning from one another. The conversations had while playing games were energising and invaluable.

Football challenges were also included, with the longest kick and handball competition being a favourite, especially when some children could kick further than their teachers!

Our dedicated and hardworking PFA provided a barbecue lunch for all of the children which was appreciated

Gisborne Montessori School collected donations that were contributed by our small school community over two or three weeks – taking on board what was currently needed to help those in the broader community.

With the school term ending, we contacted the Gisborne Foodbank to organise a collection. Tony arrived and met some of our Cycle 3 and Early Years students. Tony gave us a brief rundown of how things work, why they collect donations and how things have changed since COVID.

Tony said that a new Foodbank had also been started in Romsey.

The students are looking forward to being able to organise a trip to the Foodbank and find out more about how it works. All together, we carried out all of the donations and packed them into Tony’s car. We look forward to how we can assist next time.

What is the Foodbank?

“For selling what you don’t use or need to eat or drink and give it to people that don’t have much money and you do have the money and then the Foodbank doesn’t have to buy it for the people.”

(Frankie, Cycle 1).

after their morning of activities.

The third quarter is known as the premiership quarter and, with the amount of activities that we fit into the third term at school, it could also be known as the premiership term."

Enjoy the school holidays – we can’t wait to see what Term 4 brings.

Kellie McDonald

Levi Lovett, Mel Cardillo and Jack Power prepare for the longest kick competition.

Gisborne Gazette October 202228 SCHOOL'S IN Students with their much-appreciated donation at Foodbank.

Oscar J

CAPTAIN'S RAP with Oscar J

Lachlan gets into archery

We have had many families with young children join us in Gisborne and surrounds over the past few years. While it might seem like a simple thing, it can be difficult to know how to make connections in a new area. Here are some ideas to get you meeting other local families.

Join a playgroup: There are several playgroups in this area: New Gisborne Playgroup at Ross Watt Hall, Station Road, New Gisborne (for sessions see www.newgisborneplaygroup.com); St Paul’s Playgroup in the hall next to the op shop on the corner of Fisher and Brantome Streets, Gisborne (details on their Facebook page) and Bullengarook Playgroup (details on their Facebook

Avoid mud, sweat and tears

if going bush

Connections for new families

KAT'S KORNER

page). You can join a playgroup at a time that suits you.

Join the toy library: Gisborne Toy Library is currently open Mondays 9.30am to 10.30am, Thursdays 3.30pm to 4.30pm and Saturdays 9.30am to 11am. The Toy Library is a great place to meet others and borrow age-specif ic toys as your child grows. It is also often looking for volunteers (both toy librarians and committee members).

Attend a storytime session: The

Gisborne and Woodend Libraries offer dedicated storytimes for babies, tod dlers and pre-schoolers. Visit the Gold fields Libraries website or the Facebook pages of the individual libraries to find out the times for each age group. White Goose Exchange in Riddells Creek also has a storytime every Wednesday at 10.30am for a $2 coin donation.

Visit your local playgrounds: Gisborne Adventure Playground, Ash Wednesday Park in Macedon (which is currently being upgraded), Stanley Park playground in Macedon and Woodend Children’s Park are great places to meet other families and strike up a conversation.

Attend a local activity: Lovaball,

Mini Maestros, Active Kidz, Elly’s Music Playtime and Jets Gymnastics are some of the businesses in Gisborne or the nearby towns which provide musical and active sessions for pre-schoolers.

Join a Facebook group: There are many community Facebook groups which support local families and help them connect with others. These include Gisborne Mums, Macedon Ranges Mumma – Mums and Dads (full disclosure: I moderate Macedon Ranges Mumma!), Mums in Woodend and the Macedon Ranges, and Macedon Ranges Rainbow Families.

Welcome to the area and I hope these ideas assist you in connecting with other local families.

REFLECTIONS

Victoria has had a very wet start to spring, with heavy rainfall and high river flows affecting dirt-road conditions and many tracks in state forests and parks will remain closed until early November.

It is an offence to use these tracks while they are closed.

Before you go remember to check local closures on the Parks Victoria website or at mapshare.vic.gov.au/mapsharevic.

Know the rules

Parks Vic regulatory spokesman Glenn Smith said that if exploring the forests on foot, bike or 4WD, it was important for people to respect the rules to keep the environment and community safe.

“Trail-bike riders and four-wheel-drivers are reminded they must be licensed, [have] vehicles registered and can only use formed roads and tracks…" he said.

“Anyone caught illegally riding or driving vehicles off-road in state forests can face on-the-spot fines of $185 or up to $500 if the matter is taken to court.

"Damaging, disturbing, or destroying wildlife habitat carries a maximum fine of more than $9000."

Campfires and rubbish

Campfires should be put out with water, not soil, and be cool to the touch before leaving. All rubbish must be taken home, not dumped or burned.

Anyone who sees illegal vehicle use or rubbish dumping on public land is encouraged to report it on 136 186.

For more information about rules in state forests, including campfires and vehicle use, visit www.vic.gov.au/rules-in-state-forests.

Some of Lisa's jewellery.

STALL HOLDER PROFILE

Gisborne Olde Time Market

LISA KENNEDY JEWELLERY

Our stallholder profile for October is Lisa Kennedy and her beautiful handmade jewellery.

Lisa has been a regular at the Gisborne Olde Time Market for a number of years and her jewellery is of a high quality and is much admired by market-goers on market days.

She also attends markets at Warrandyte, Nagambie and Tahbilk Winery.

Lisa designs and creates her jewellery in Maldon. She was a trade jeweller before she became self-employed. She has worked in Melbourne and Darwin and in London.

Lisa’s jewellery can be bought at markets or online. Her contact details are: mobile 0408 373 378; email L.K@jewellerybylisakennedy.com; and Facebook @jewellerybylisakennedy.

The market this month is on Sunday October 2; the following one will be on Sunday November 6.

At the time of writing, the flags are flying at half-mast around town. The Queen is dead. And so her son Charles sits on the throne. A succession without impediment. The Queen’s body is embarking on its final journey.

At the time of publication, life will have closed back over the world. Normal transmission will have resumed in this town and elsewhere.

The year also will have shifted into another gear. The AFL will be receding into the far pavilions, the grounds will be clipped, the pitches mown close or cleaned to welcome the cricketers. The thump of the footy will be replaced by the thwack of the cricket ball. The days will grow longer, pushed on by daylight saving starting on October 2. With good luck, and La Nina permitting, the air will grow warmer, the ground will dry out. The trees and flowers will resume the cycle of leaf and life.

This is the absolutely ordinary beauty (to nick the title of a Les Murray poem, but not the substance) through which we travel each day. It goes past in a rush, unnoticed, unremarked upon, for really, how many times can you say "what beautiful foliage" (to nick and twist Monty Python’s skit on parrots)?

But then within the seasons are the seasons of each life, and each is not of the same length and constancy as those of nature’s. It’s a lottery. The Queen led a fortunate life, falling a mere four years short of sending herself a congratulatory letter for reaching a century on this planet. All things must pass, and not many can touch 100.

What will 96 years from now look and feel like? How will the seasons fall? Can we feel it now, their arrival and departure not as they were because of climate change? Does the summer end later these days than it seemed to in the past, for instance?

There is one certainty of life at this time of year. It is that the magpie will swoop to protect its nest and young. Signs have been erected at Gisborne’s treelined cemetery to protect those who come to reflect on life and loss: beware, it’s magpie swooping season. And there’s nothing quite like the brush of beating wings close to your scalp to awaken you from your reverie. At this time of year, these magpies never fail to make you take notice of their presence. It’s a cycle of life.

with Kat Buttigieg

Warwick McFadyen

SCOUTING

News from 1st Gisborne Scout Group

As I write this, there are only 13 more sleeps to go till the Joeys go to Kangaree (not that we are counting). Buses are booked, awesome activities are planned, mealtimes have been set and tents are set to go.

More than 1000 Joey scouts will descend on Lardner Park near Warragul at the end of the month for three days of fun and adventure; there will be lots of stories to tell for the next edition of the Gazette

The Joeys celebrated the end of term in style with an international food feast where everyone brought in food from one of the countries that we ‘visited’ during the term. We had kebabs from Indonesia, sushi from Japan, ice blocks from Antarctica, Vegemite sandwiches from Australia and ‘snail’ biscuits from France.

The Cub section has been busy building bridges and practising first aid. They also had fun at an overnight camp at Anglesea.

Even though it was too cold to go swimming they managed to get pretty wet anyway!

A highlight of the term for Scouts was a marshmallow construction night when some amazing structures were made. Not only do marshmallows taste good, but they are also good for building things.

The Rover section has been busy too with a Safari night and honing their skills at rock climbing.

The Venturers are looking forward to BARCOM, which is a rafting event held during the September school holidays. The Venturers build, row and navigate a 3m x 4.8m raft down the mighty Murray River. There are exciting challenges in this that require teamwork and initiative; lasting friendships are formed and, most importantly, it is lots of fun!

All in all, third term has been fun and busy. Despite the cold and wet winter, all sections have been enjoying the great outdoors, learning new skills and hanging out with their friends every week.

If you are interested in joining Scouts, either as a Leader or a Scout, please email us at info@1stgisborne.com.au for more information.

Carolyn Goode (Assistant Joey Leader)

New Guides get sashed up

Gisborne Girl Guides welcome Imogen who joined the Unit last month.

The members have been busy this term completing the Candle and Scissors badges as well as working on compass and coding skills.

Guiding allows girls to develop their confidence and leadership within a supportive and safe

environment.

They learn new skills as they take on challenges.

If you are aged 7 or older and would like to come and try Guides, then phone Deb on 0409 542 619 to arrange a visit.

We meet on Thursday nights between 5pm and 6.30pm.

Deb Fleming

Night skills tested at special event

Macedon-Woodend Scout Group participated in Night Owl in September at Rowallan Scout Camp in Riddells Creek.

Night Owl is an activity-based hike in the dark, with Scouts going out in patrols of four-to-eight members.

The patrols hike over an eight-kilometre course, using map and compass, and attend five activity points. At the activity points they complete a task and score points based on teamwork, leadership and time.

Eighteen patrols participated this year. In 2019, the last time the event was held, we won, but

this year the winner was 2nd Strathmore group.

Our patrol had a great time, even though we did not win this time. Members worked as a team, did not get lost and were proud to come in first at one of the activity points.

If you are interested in hearing more about Macedon-Woodend Scouts, contact Mark Baeten on 0429 678 670.

New Gisborne Scouts prepare for long-awaited snow camp

September has been busy at New Gisborne. We’ve been finalising plans for about 40 members and family to attend our long-awaited snow camp at Mount Baw Baw. Previous camps were cancelled due to COVID.

On September 14 we had a landmark presentation to all families and youth members. This covered a detailed Group 'health check' involving extensive interviews and analysis conducted by Cub Scout Leader Cathy. As well as validation of our Scouting programs, some worthwhile action items emerged from Cathy’s work.

We hope the slab for our Scout Hut will be laid early in fourth term. Donations for the fit-out made through Scout HQ are tax-deductible and most welcome.

Through these challenging times we remember our Law and Promise, living out “love thy neighbour”. As always, our thoughts and prayers remain with frontline COVID workers.

We meet on Wednesdays from 6:30 to 8pm, and Venturers meet on Fridays. Contact Group Leader “Skipper” (0450 922 787 or johnfrearson@mac. com) to learn more.

Proudly sponsored by Bruce Ellis, Chiropractor

A proud Emily (left) and Emmy after receiving their sashes.

Cathy delivers the 'Health Check' report to families and youth members.

A Joey reads a story book from Indonesia.

Scouts (from left): Isaak Richards, Peter Dean, Oscar Peart, Lennox O’Bree, Brynn Graham and Oliver Telford.

WALK Campaspe River Kyneton

An open picturesque walk. Distance: 6km Level: Easy

Directions: From Gisborne, drive up the Calder to Kyneton. At the T-junction with Mollison Street, turn left towards the railway station. Before crossing the river, turn right at the Botanic Gardens into Clowes Street and park. The walk starts from here.

Walk through the Gardens taking any path that leads in a downward direction until reaching the riverside. Keeping the river on your left, follow the path all the way to the racecourse which is the outward limit of the walk. Retrace your route to your car or when reaching the Piper Street bridge detour through the township, if preferred, the distance is about the same.

Note that one section of the riverside walk is closed off due to a private property, but the detour is well signposted and brings you back to the river without confusion.

This is one of the easiest walks, with no hills on easy gravel and new concrete paths. Try to make time to explore the Kyneton Botanic Gardens to complete the day.

September walks for Gisborne

Bushwalking Club

The first walk for September was led by Carmela and Matt in the Long Forest. One guest, Sabina, knew much about the area and was able to tell us about the special native flora, which was an extra treat. Long Forest looked fresh and very green with spring blooms of wattles and eucalypts.

The track was quite slippery at times, but it is a relatively easy walk with a few climbs so it can be a challenge to keep up with more mature walkers. Afternoon tea is always welcome and concluded a successful day for all.

On September 7 Nigel led a walk in the Ingliston Gorge, Werribee Gorge State Park. This truly remarkable area has a history of over 500 million years exposed in the rocks cut by the gorge across the Rowsley Fault.

News from the Ramblers

As suspected, it has just been confirmed that a third La Nina has developed. Perhaps we Gisborne gardeners might consider planting a rice crop this year!

I was checking out a walk at Bullengarook recently: this walk crosses a normally dry creek (but which on the day was a roaring torrent) running at least a foot over the stepping stones (which I have never had to use). Needless to say, it is another walk on the ‘hold’ list – and just an indicator of how wet things are out there.

Fortunately, the Ramblers managed to dodge the rain over the past month, managing walks on Mt Macedon and in Kyneton, Macedon and Sunbury.

Normally, I try to have 50 different walks for the year but, with the weather and storm damage still in evidence, we are increasingly having to repeat walks for comfort and safety.

With this in mind, I have added a Kyneton walk (Campaspe River) which you may care to try, described above. This is an easy, scenic walk which, at the time of writing, has the river in full flow. This is worth the trip, as normally the river is seemingly just a series of connected waterholes.

If you would like more details of the Ramblers and our walk plans, please email me via gisramblers@gmail.com. Charles

If we could flip back time to then, we would all have been under the sea but instead we had the delights of magnificent views across the Werribee Plains to the city sitting in the sinkland of four million years ago. What could be better than a lunch at Falcon’s Lookout and a plunge down and back to the Granite Tors of the upper valley of the Werribee River?

We have a full calendar for the remainder of the year and if you wish to join us on walks or require further information about the club, please call either Margot on 0438 260 792, or George on 0419 610 811. Or check out our website: www.gisbornebwc.org.au.

Janeen Edward

PRO HEDGE TRIMMING

Midweek riding with Ulysses

Wednesday morning rides have become a cornerstone of Macedon Ranges Ulysses Branch.

You might have seen motorcycles gather at the Ampol service station on Station Road. From there they may travel to any one of the many nearby towns for morning tea, and then on to another for lunch.

Wednesday rides do more than just break the week up. They are as much a celebration, of escaping the ‘rat-race’, skiving off the housework or just casting away whatever other worries the world may have for you, if only for a few hours.

So, if you are hankering to ride the parallel universe, get on your bike and come join the Ulysses group on an adventure. We accommodate a wide variety of riding styles and the members have accrued a wealth of life experience to share.

Our ride calendar is full of monthly Saturday lunch rides and Sunday trips, plus special annual events, Tuesday 'travel the gravel', and Wednesday road rides. Here’s a great chance to meet new friends with a common interest.

You’ll find us planning our next adventure at the Saturday morning Tyre-Kick in Gisborne, so be sure to say hello.

Check us out online at www.mrub.org.au or join us on Facebook for the latest news.

Professional

‘We come to you’

mobile travel agents

Contact me on t: 1300 365 688 (ext 672)

m: 0407 432 520

e: jmcfadyen@mtatravel.com.au

www.facebook.com/Joanne McFadyenMTA/

www.mtatravel.com.au/jmcfadyen

Joanne McFadyen

Professional Travel Adviser

Joanne McFadyen

Some of the bushwalkers on the Ingliston Gorge walk..

Matthew Dridan

Wednesday Ride 3 – Lunch at Heathcote. Picture: Bruce Howlett

Tree & Garden Services 0426 177 180 bfg3636@outlook.com Campaspe River in full flow.

Fun twilight competition ready to roll

MRNA’s fun twilight competition, which focuses on enjoyment of the game and not on the outcome, kicks off on Tuesday 11 October and runs for six weeks, with one week of finals.

The U11s play at 4:30pm and 5.10pm, U13s at 5.50pm, U15s and U18s at 6.30pm, at the netball cen tre, New Gisborne. All are mixed teams.

FINALS

AWARDS

Reserves final – Gisborne v Golden Square –September 3.

U17 final Gisborne v Kangaroo Flat – September 10

A Grade netball final - Gisborne

U13B best and fairest: Tessa McNair and runner-up Seamus Sullivan

U15 best and fairest: Charlie Busby and runner-up Jack Palmer

U13A best and fairest: Jazmine Matthews

U18 Gisborne v Golden Square final –September 11

U18 Gisborne v Golden Square final –September 11

B Reserve grand final – Gisborne v Sandhurst – September 17

Gisborne Reserves football grand final team – Runners up Bendigo Football Netball League 2022

Gisborne B Reserve netball grand final team, September 17 –Runners up Bendigo Football Netball League 2022

U19 final – Gisborne v Sandhurst –September 3.

Reserves final – Gisborne v Golden Square – September 3.

Seniors’ grand final – Gisborne v Strathmore –September 17

Pictures by Chris Fleming

AROUND THE GROUNDS

Macedon Cats FNC wraps up its ‘pretty outstanding’ season

By Andrew Dick, president Macedon FNC

Macedon Cats Senior Football Netball Club were pleased to com plete a full season of competition after two years of eternal hope!

At the end-of-season presenta tion night, the attendance was ev idence of the enthusiasm for celebration of success on and off the field.

Our on-field/court performance starts with the leadership of the coaches and assistant coaches. What a job they did. COVID-Zoom coaching was exchanged for a full season of face-to-face training. … and what a success the training proved to be.

On the netball court, three sides reached the grand final with C Grade taking out a win. On the football field, the club was thrilled to have the U19.5 field a side, with no side fielded three years ago, let alone reach the first week of finals.

The Cats senior football side had a mixed home and away season but scraped into finals and played two tremendous games. They beat Romsey in the first final and nearly beat Diggers Rest in the second.

With our A Grade netball winning the home and away season before going down in the preliminary final, the club can reflect on a pretty outstanding sea son overall.

Off the ground, it has just been good to be able to “play” on and off the field.

Finally, the club wishes to thank Community Bank Bendigo Bank branch for its generous support of an electronic scoreboard for Tony Clarke Reserve.

We thank all committee members, coaches, spon sors and volunteers for making 2022 a special one!

RDFNL U17 grand final – Macedon v Western Rams – September 11

RDFNL B Grade grand final – Macedon v Diggers Rest

Gisborne Golf Club celebrates centenary

It is one year late, but 103 members celebrated the centenary at Gisborne Golf Club with an excellent dinner by resident caterers Timeless. President Alastair Boustead and guest speak er and course curator for 40 years Ray Keane gave fascinating insights into the history and characters to round the celebrations off.

Jacqui Nelson finally got her hands on the Gisborne Gazette perpetual trophy on September 14, presented by Maxine, the Gazette’s distribution man ager.

Lee Govan has been appointed course superin tendent and officially started on September 12. Lee brings with him a wealth of experience from turf con sultant and bowling green maintenance, to technical agronomist, to working on the grass courts at Wim bledon, and a PGA tour course in New York.

Lee has been a member at the club since 2007, golfing twice a week and being on the greens com mittee as well. Lee and his partner have two children aged five and eight years.

On Wednesday October 12 the ladies will host a

At the Gisborne Golf Club Centenary Dinner are Alastair Boustead (president), John Wilson (life member), Ray Keane (guest speaker and course curator for 40 years) and Sonya Keane.

“Pink Lunch and Guest Day” supporting the national ‘Tee off for Breast Cancer Trials’ to raise money for breast cancer research. There will be lunch, raffles and prizes; details will appear on the website.

That’s a wrap on season 2022

The Gisborne Giants fielded 14 teams across the junior and senior football and net ball competitions. This year saw the club enter the senior ranks with its inaugural U19.5 football team.

The club celebrated the year in late August when our U13 Orange football and U13 Silver netballers made the grand final, with all other teams narrowly missing finals or bowing out early in the final series.

The club is extremely proud of the efforts on and off the field/courts. We’d like to thank all our players, our committee and all volunteers who made the season possible. And a shout out to our sponsors; your val uable contributions are critical to supporting our club and keeping our youth involved in community sport.

We look forward to next season, when the club intends to grow our junior teams and further expand in the senior ranks. Coaching applications are now open for junior football and netball; head to our Face book page or website, www.gisbornegiantsfnc.club, to apply.

The club AGM is scheduled for October 11. We would love to see many new and familiar faces at tend as the club looks to expand in 2023 and be yond to provide greater opportunity for participation in community sport in the Macedon Ranges.

Big year in store for Gisborne Dragons

Gisborne Cricket Club enter its 167th year in good shape and looking forward to another big year of cricket for all ages, genders and abilities. The weather has been terrible but hopefully this clears up in time for games to start in mid-Oc tober.

The McIntyre Cup side will start the year as one of the favorites for the flag after last year’s strong performance.

The return of champion Jarryd Vernon and the recruitment of star bowler Leigh Brennan will help, along with established guns Mick Allen and Pat McK enna.

Most exciting will be the chance for our young local crew such as Josh McDonald, Harry Luxmoore, Sam Mackay, Matt Barake, Darcy Thomas, Wil Mackay, Alec Nichols and Nathan Hynes to take their opportunities and turn into consistent stars at the high level.

Andrew Headberry

Proudly sponsored by Rob Mitchell Federal Member for McEwen 1300 701 966

Marcus Aquilina and Brad Gauci

End of season celebrations for the Gisborne Giants

Peter Barker

RDFNL Macedon Cats B Grade grand final team

Winter season wrap from Gisborne Tennis Club

Gisborne Tennis Club has come to the end of a successful winter junior season. Thank you to all the players, parents and team manag ers who made the season the suc cess that it was.

Out of the eight sections, Gis borne had four teams in the grand finals: A3/B1 –team US Open, B2/B3 – Roland Garros, C2 – Davis Cup and C (Friday play) – team ATP Cup.

The C2 Davis Cup team were victorious in their grand final, defeating South Gisborne by 45 games to 29.

Congratulations to Liam Howie, James Buttigieg, Brendan Weller, Archer Dunlop and Zane Gowans.

A3/B1 US Open were strong throughout the year but unfortunately went down to South Gisborne in the decider and B2/B3 Roland Garros stormed home in the back half of the season but couldn’t pull off the win against New Gisborne.

C (Friday) ATP Cup had a tough assignment in the grand final against Kyneton, who had not lost all season, and came up short.

We also recently had our presentation day for the

winter junior tennis season. This was a great day with the kids enjoying celebrating the end of the reg ular season and doing tennis activities to win some prizes.

Luke Bamford, Ben van Emmerik, Henry Merola, Jack Devenish, Liam Howie and Georgia Morley won

the Most Valuable Player awards for their respective teams, while James Buttigieg and Isabel Plunkett won the Best Sportsperson awards for the club.

Thank you to everyone for a successful winter season. We look forward to an enjoyable summer season of tennis.

From South Gisborne to Washington: it’s a win

There is a saying, “Make the most of your opportunities”, and that is precisely what Sam did.

While on a family holiday in the United States, Sam played in a tennis tourna ment in Ridgefield, Washington.

He played in two matches on the same day, and the second was the highlight of his day and his tennis tournament experiences so far, as he won 7-5 7-6.

Sam’s mental toughness was challenged by the scorching 33C temperature but he got through it with a helpful reminder from dad: “Look across the net; see that boy? He is just as hot and tired as you are.”

Sam’s family and the South Gisborne Tennis Club are proud of Sam’s effort and thank coach Jeremy from Spark Tennis at SGTC for encouraging Sam to start entering tournaments to build on his skills and mental resilience.

Back at SGTC it was recently finals day. Four jun ior teams played off in grand finals. Congratulations to A3 and C1 Warriors on your win and to C1 Slam

Junior coordinator Brendan, Junior winter season South Gisborne A3 Premiers Jackson, Will, Louise, Hamish, Baillie, coach Jeremy and club president Tim.

mers and C2 Superstars runners up. What a great season it was for our SGTC juniors! Big shout out to junior coordinator Brendan, president Tim, commit tee, coaches, team managers and parents who get the teams out there having fun every week.

Summer teams are in and courts will be at capac ity with eight teams entered. Bring it on!

Follow the club on the website, www.sgtennisclub. com.au, or Facebook page.

Consulting rooms/office space for rent/lease

Mobile pool and spa service

• Over 20 years’ experience servicing pools and spas in the area.

• Maintenance, pumps, filters, chlorinators , controllers, blankets.

• Specialising in water and energy efficient technologies.

Call Daniel 0416 289 898 dan@smartpoolservices.com.au

Located within Gisborne Chiropractic Clinic, 71 Hamilton St, Gisborne Rooms cleaned weekly, central heating and cooling, phone, eftpos/HICAPS, wired or wifi NBN all available. Off street and disabled parking and large waiting area.

Would suit a practitioner or anyone wanting an office space walking distance to the main shops.

Call Simon on 0438 400 309 or email chiro_6@hotmail.com for a confidential chat.

Tim Ryan

Gail Scott

Gisborne Tennis Club

Saturday C2 junior winners

Junior Winter Season C1 Premiers: South Gisborne Warriors. From left: Renz Grimbeek, Audrey Franks, Austin Franks, Lewis Hydon-Woods, Thomas Timbs and Amelia Franks. Absent: Sam Wallace.

Sam Goodwin

Petanque Golden Boule presentation day

The four partici pating teams in the Golden Boule tournament met at Ballarat Petan que Club on Sep tember 17 to combine a social day of petanque with the announce ment of the winning club.

Maldon (54 points) won the competition by 1 point over Mt Macedon (53). Third was Smythes dale (39) and fourth Ballarat (34). All players agreed that the tourna ment was a great success and are looking forward to welcoming more clubs to the competition next year.

Ballarat kindly offered to host the presentation day using their great venue and licensed clubrooms.

Two rounds of games were to start the day, but heavy rain in tervened after one. A handful of players did brave the elements to fit in a further quick game before a delicious lunch contributed by all clubs.

Mt Macedon Petanque Club

recently held its AGM and the new president is Bob Bossner, vice-president Rhonda Shears, secretary Doreen Green, with Peter Chaldjian retaining the role of club treasurer.

Keep an eye out for the club’s annual Mixed Triples Tournament on Sunday October 9 starting at 9.30am.

We’re always keen to attract new members.

Wednesday playdays are held from 2-5pm at our grounds behind the Ampol Service Station in Gis borne.

Coaching sessions are held from 1pm to 2pm on the Wednes day falling on the same week as our Saturday sessions.

Saturday playdays run from 10am to 1pm on the second and fourth Saturdays.

For enquiries please go to our website, mtmacedonpetanque.org, and for updates visit our Facebook page.

Alison Kinghorn

Ladies enjoy their tennis whatever the weather

As competition tennis takes a brief break for school holidays, players look forward to warmer spring weather. This winter was unusually bleak, to say the least.

The coldest two days in winter both fell on a Tuesday, which happens to be the day the Mountain District Ladies Tennis Association plays its mid-week competi tion. And despite the threat of snow on the first icy day, and soggy winds howling in direct from the Antarctic on the second, the ladies all turned up to play.

Sections three and four from Macedon Tennis Club were rostered to play at home on both days.

It is not so easy to play in a puffer jacket – you would never catch Serena Williams doing it – but sometimes these things are necessary. As are beanies. And scarves. It might look absurd but sport at Macedon

on a frigid winter day means doing whatever you have to, to keep warm.

The amazing thing was that the players enjoyed the days im mensely. Actually, there were two amaz ing things: the other was that, despite big dumps of rain the previous days and nights on both of the ‘Big Cold’ days, the courts were dry. The drainage built into them plus the use of super-soakers before play meant that both the synthetic and en-toutcas surfaces were in ace condition for play.

Macedon warmly (ha ha!) welcomes new players, any ability, to the mid-week ladies’ competition.

The club also plays in junior, women’s and mixed competitions and Saturday so cial starts on October 8. For more informa tion, visit macedontennisclub.com.au.

Four rugged-up Macedon Tennis Club members on a freezing match day in winter. Section 4 Pumas players (from left): Jodee, Narelle, Cath and Pip.

Croquet season open for coffee at least, as courts dry off

Our official guests, the Mac edon Ranges mayor, Jen nifer Anderson, and James Shea-wick from the Bendi go Bank, joined us for the opening of our 2022-23 cro quet season on September 7.

Club president Noeline Richardson welcomed all to the ceremony. The season was declared open by the mayor, and then Heather Dawn, the club champion, ran the first hoop to com plete the formalities.

As the courts were still too wet to play on, there was no further play. We ad journed to the club house for a lovely morning tea.

‘Coffee and Chit-Chat’ is taking place at 10am on Fridays in the clubhouse for those members who would like to get together while we wait for the courts to dry out ready for play on our usual playing days.

We will report next month on our 30th anniver sary which (as I write) is due to be held on Sep tember 21.

During Victoria’s Seniors Festival Week in October, we will be hav ing open days from 9am to 12 noon on Mondays October 3 and 10 and Wednesdays October 5 and 12. We are ready to welcome everyone who would like to try a game of croquet. We’re sure you will enjoy it as we do. Faye Armstrong

CROSSWORD Words starting with the letter ‘J’

Questions compiled by Graeme Millar

ACROSS

3. Largest planet in our solar system.

4. A young person.

7. Town 35km north of Finley NSW on Newell Hwy.

9. A young person working on a sheep or cattle station in Australia to gain experience.

15. One of the large veins of the neck.

16. Kingston is the capital and largest city on this island.

17. The largest of the Channel Islands between England and France.

18. A variety of an eating apple.

DOWN

1. Wife of Ahab.

2. A national or international rally of scouts.

4. Indonesian island on which Jakarta is situated.

5. A young kangaroo or scout.

6. Sir Robert Menzies was born in this Victorian town.

8. The first month of the year.

10. Romeo and …........

11. A machine that automatically plays a selected song when a coin is inserted.

12. People chosen to render a verdict in a courtroom.

13. A light hand-thrown spear.

14. The yen is the monetary unit of this country

17. A flat-bottomed Chinese vessel.

Shooter on target

John Dawson has sustained a consistent month of golf culmi nating in his victory in the mid week gentlemen’s September Mug o’ the Month with 39 sta bleford points. The August monthly medal will be decid ed by a playoff between Stuart Gunnell and Dave Dun stan, who both returned scores of nett 68.

The Bluey Russell Trophy stableford event, which is played post the Annual General Meeting, brought a cou rageous win by Darcy Doyle who overcame ‘illness’ to register 35 points. Respective B and C grade winners were John Dawson and Steve Osborne, both returning 33 points.

The AGM was well attended and reports from the president and treasurer confirmed the club is travelling in the right direction. Congratulations to the 2022-23 management committee, comprising an executive of Matt Willis, president; Mick Doyle, captain; Brian Col lins, hon treasurer; Marcus Ward, hon secretary; and general committee members Dave Hudson, Gary Liddy, Peter Semmens, Peter Palmer and Tony Littman.

Congratulations to the club and more specifically to Bruce Fraser who received recognition for his co-ordi nation of the ‘Ladies Get Into Golf@MMGC’ program by taking out the Dalhousie District’s Volunteer of the Year award. The club is still in the running for Golf Australia’s Visionary of the Year to be announced later this year.

Our spring/summer membership began on Oc tober 1 and offers six months of unlimited golf for $270. For more information please make contact via mmgcsecretary583@gmail.com. Walrus

brainbuster

1. In which Australian state are the Glasshouse Mountains?

2. What is measured by the Richter Scale?

3. Changi Prison was located in which city?

4. Which Australian car had the two-letter designation of FJ?

5. Starring in his own television series from 1968 to 1970 was which ‘Bush Kangaroo’?

6. In which city was American president John F. Kennedy killed?

7. Which planet has the shortest year?

8. Who is the Lord Mayor of Melbourne?

9. What is the lowest common denominator of six, 15 and 48?

10. The only element that starts with X is which noble gas?

Answers ►p39

Answers

p39

Season opening day September 7.

THE CHURCHES

Spring in our step

Spring is a season which entices us to remember how much we love ‘the fruits of the earth’. Res idents of the Macedon Ranges have the best of this.

There’s an oft-quoted Biblical verse: “to whom much is given, from them much is required” (Luke 12:48). By living here, we certainly have been given much: we are required not to squander it.

As the Macedon Ranges Shire Council states, the Macedon Rang es is characterised by its landscapes: from its smallest ground orchid to the brooding presence of Hanging Rock.

Nationally, the Uniting Church in Australia is committed to principles, policies and practices which will pull us back from continuing to devastate this continent.

Locally, the Uniting Church con gregation in Gisborne has pledged to reduce its emissions and to recycle everything that is recyclable.

Recently we have discussed per maculture, the dreadful toll of the ex tinction of much of Australia’s flora and fauna, the sharing of seeds, and grief

at the mutilation and removals of some magnificent trees.

To avoid this just being a list for doom and gloom, we have enjoyed a morning of making bunches of flowers

to give to those dropping into the Gis borne Foodbank located at the back of our church building. Food is essential but spirits can be lifted by the beauties of wattles, banksias and daffodils.

Poetry speaks to an earthly level of care

JP McAuley was a renowned pro fessor of English at the University of Tasmania and a poet of some considerable merit. Many of us in church circles are familiar with his writings and collaboration with the late Richard Connolly.

Creation was a common theme for both McAuley and Connolly.

In the hymn ‘Sing a new song, sing a new song, and wait upon the promises of the Lord’, it is the line “Creation sings a new song to the Lord” that sparks my attention for October.

Inspired by Francis of Assisi, in October many communities will thank God for all creation.

Many people take the opportunity to try to ‘bring animals to Church’ (a rule not enforced within the Anglican Parish of Gisborne!).

Consider the beauty that is around

Mt Macedon Uniting Church supports remote ministry

A special service to recognise the work of Frontier Services, the Uniting Church’s agency serving remote areas of Australia, was held on September 11.

A highlight was the reflection by Ruary Bucknall on the history of the Australian Inland Mission established by the Reverend John Flynn and the many innovations he introduced, such as the hospitals, pedal radio links and the Flying Doctor Service.

Ruary also spoke about his father’s activities; his father knew John Flynn, as a patrol padre in central Austral ia in the 1970s. He also highlighted Outback Links which connects volun teers with people in remote Austral ia doing it tough, providing practical support when it is needed most with anything from caretaking to property maintenance, gardening to painting or even general farm support.

Outback Links volunteers bring hope by showing up and showing they care.

Afterwards we shared a barbe cue lunch, with a donation of $500 being made to support Frontier Services’ work.

Coming up, we will have Open Gardens again at Pinjarra and Timsbury on Mount Macedon Road on two weekends, October 1 and 2 and 15 and 16.

Both gardens will be in spring time glory and well worth a wander around.

Neil Tweddle, 5426 2045

you. Every sunrise and every sunset is different.

As stewards of creation, we must

protect and preserve our planet and creatures from harm.

Sponsored by Anglican Parish of Gisborne ■ Uniting Church in Australia

■ St Andrew’s Presbyterian Church, Gisborne ■ House of the Rock Church, Gisborne ■ Gisborne Church of Christ ■ St Brigid’s Parish

Sunset in Hamilton Street, Gisborne. (Picture: D. Webster)

ANGLICAN PARISH of GISboRNE

MACEDON RIDDELLS CREEK GISBORNE

Frontier Services provides medical services in Birdsville.

Dennis Webster

Janet Wood

Happy florists at work.

From the

100 YEARS AGO

(NB Copies of the old Gisborne Gazette from 1922 are not currently available to examine. Other newspapers are substituted.)

OCTOBER 1922

WHAT'S ON

REGULAR MEETINGS

New members always welcome

*** NB: Check with organisations re COVID restrictions ***

ADULT RIDING CLUB (Gis) 2nd Saturday of month IR Robertson Res

ADULT RIDING CLUB (Bullengarook) 2nd Saturday Rec Reserve

ANGLING CLUB 2nd Wed 8pm Railway Hotel Macedon

BOTANIC GARDENS working bee every Thurs 9.30am-10.30am

BREAST CANCER SUPPORT GROUP 1st & 3rd Tues 10.30am Gisborne Golf Club

SHELTER SEEKER

Continued from page 15

Ellis Rowan on wedding day

Mrs. Ellis Rowan – The many friends of Mrs. Ellis Rowan, well known for her paintings of the flora and bird and insect life of Australia and other countries, will regret to learn of her death, which occurred at The Cottage, Mac edon, on Wednes day. Mrs. Rowan was a daughter of the late Mr. Charles Ryan, of Derriweit, Mace don. ... Her husband, Captain Frederick Rowan, an Imperial officer sent to New Zealand during the Maori war, died many years ago, and her only son died of pneumonia in South Africa while on a visit there. Mrs. Rowan ... was liv ing with her sister, Miss Ryan, at Macedon, at the time of her death.

The Argus, 6 October 1922

Mrs. Ellis Rowan – An appreciation Un der the shadow of Mount Macedon, beneath a brilliant canopy of floral wreaths, above which gleams a tall white marble cross, lies the fragile form of Australia’s brilliant daugh ter, but her pure spirit wanders in Elysian fields amidst the flowers, the birds, and butterflies she loved so well and painted so exquisitely. Because she was such a geni us, no petty jealousy marred her generous nature, she did not vaunt her own work but rather that of others and many young strug gling artists owe her gratitude. ... Her fidelity to her kindred and to those whom she ad mitted to her friendship was unchangeable. Of medium height, but slenderly fashioned, with brilliant hazel eyes beneath a broad white brow, travelled, well read, witty, it was a joy to hear her musical voiced and perfect anunciation.

The Sydney Morning Herald, 10 October 1922

Gisborne Golf Club – A well-attended meeting of the residents of Gisborne and Riddell was held during the last few days for the purpose of forming a golf club in Gis borne. This must not be confused with the abortive attempt some years ago to form a club in the district, when a country club was formed at New Gisborne. The new club ... has obtained from the shire council a lease for seven years of the Public Gardens in old Gisborne.

Although the links will not be ready for some few months, steps are being taken immediately with as little loss of time as pos sible to have a really good nine-hole course laid out.

The Australasian, 14 October 1922

BRIDGE CLUB Mon 12.30, Tues 7.15, Thurs 12.30 St Mary’s Church Hall, Woodend 5420 7595

BUSHWALKING CLUB Various locations 0438 260 792 or 0419 610 811

CANCER SUPPORT GROUP last Wed of month MRH

CAR CLUB 1st Wednesday 8pm Steam Park, New Gisb

CARERS GROUP (Mac Ranges) 2nd & 4th Thurs, 1pm Woodend RSL 5420 7132 (Note: 4th Thurs carers only)

COMMUNITY GARDEN Wed 9am Church of Christ

CROQUET CLUB Mon, Wed & Sat 10am 0426 500 516 , Noeline Richardson Dixon Field

CWA GISBORNE 2nd Monday 10am Gis Secondary College

CWA MACEDON 3rd Tues 1pm & 7pm 662 Mt Macedon Rd

DALY RESERVE WORKING BEE 2nd Tues 9.30am Scout Hall, Daly Res

FILM SOCIETY 2nd Wed Woodend Neigh’hood House 5427 2323

FLY FISHING CLUB 4th Wed 7.30pm MRFEC Gisborne

FOCUS CLUB 2nd Fri 12 noon Goonawarra Golf Club, Sunbury

FRIENDS of JACKSONS CREEK working bees 3rd Sun 10-noon David Tunbridge 0415 534 477

GARDEN CLUB 2nd Wed various venues 0424 038 474

GENEALOGY GROUP 4th Thurs 7.30 Family Hist Rm, Library

GIRL GUIDES Thursdays 5pm Gis Scout Hall

GISBORNE SINGERS Wed 7.30pm Gisborne Uniting Church

HISTORICAL SOCIETY open Wed 10am-4pm Court House

LIBRARY: TODDLERS’ STORY TIME Mon 10.30am, Wed 10.30am

LIONS CLUB (Gisborne) First Thurs of month, 7.30pm 247 Station Rd

MARTIAL ARTS Thurs from 6pm St Brigid’s Hall; gisborne@junseikan.com.au

MASONIC LODGE 2nd Thurs 7pm Masonic Hall Aitken St

MASTERS AFL Wed 6.30pm Sankey Reserve

MT MAC & DIST HORT SOC 1st Tues 8pm Hor ticultural Hall

MUFFINS ’N’ MORE 2nd Tues 10am-noon Uniting Church

MUMS’ GROUP 2nd Mon 9.30-11.30am 49 Fisher St

OBEDIENCE DOG CLUB Sun 9am Riddells Rec Res

PETANQUE 2nd & 4th Sat 10am behind Caltex service station, Station Rd, Gisborne 0439 887 178

PHOENIX ART & CRAFTS Saturdays as required 0409 121 025

PHOTOGRAPHIC SOC 1st Tues & 2nd Mon 7pm Dromkeen, Riddells Ck

PONY CLUB Bullengarook 1st Sunday Rec Reserve

PONY CLUB Gisborne 1st Sunday Robertson Reserve

PROBUS 1st Thurs 10am Senior Cits room, Gisborne Community Centre

QUILTERS (Gisb) Wed 7pm Room attached to Gisb Library

RAMBLERS Fridays 9.15am Tennis Club Dixon Field

ROTARY (Gisborne) First & third Tues 7pm Telegraph Hotel, email gisbornerotary@gmail.com for confirmation of venue

ROTARY (Macedon Ranges) 1st & 3rd Monday Baringo Food & Wine

RUNNING GROUP Tues & Thurs 6pm, Sun 8am Gis Aquatic Centre

RSL 1st Mon 2pm Gis Golf Club 5428 2233

SENIOR CITS (Macedon) Tues 11am Tony Clarke Res

SPINNERS & FIBRE GROUP Wed 12 noon Rec Reserve Bullengarook

SUPPORT AFTER SUICIDE 2nd Monday each month, even if public holiday, 7 to 8.30pm Newham Mechanics Inst. (1292 Rochford Rd) E: peersuppor t@mrspag.com.au

TABLE TENNIS Wed 7.30pm Tony Clarke Res, Macedon

THUNDER SWIMMING CLUB 2nd Sat 5pm Gisborne Aquatic Centre

TOY LIBRARY Every Mon 9.30-10.30am; Thurs 3.30-4.30pm, Sat 9.30-11am 71 Robertson St

ULYSSES GROUP 3rd Tues 6pm Sunbur y FC

VINTAGE MACHINERY Working bees 1st Sun of month, 8.30am at Steam Park; meetings last Friday of month, 7pm at Steam Park

WRITERS GROUP Last Sat of month 2-5pm Woodend N’hood House

WRITERS (Scribes & Scribblers) 2nd Tues 10am-12 Riddell N’hood House

YOUNG VOICES Thursdays 4.15-5.45pm Norma Richardson Hall, Buckland St, Woodend, 5426 4801 or sdggome@patash.com.au

Another element is that the private sector focus on delivering affordable housing for key workers. Society functions better when key workers such as nurses and teachers live close to their workplace, yet these workers do not qualify for low-income housing. Rob has provided strategic advice on a proposed development near the Clarkfield train station, currently with Council, that includes a pilot of HAA’s model of providing affordable and private housing in the same development.

According to Rob, HAA has been gaining support after an economic report it commissioned to capture the housing affordability crisis in Australia was released in June. Titled ‘Give Me Shelter’, the report tracks the decreasing supply and increasing costs of public, social and affordable housing in the country over the past few decades. The report makes a case for government to subsidise the private sector to help increase the supply of affordable housing. The full report is available on the HAA website.

Under Cover, a documentary on homelessness among women aged 50-plus in Australia, the fastestgrowing cohort experiencing it, will be shown in select cinemas from October 6 and on the ABC in November.

Rob bought a property in Mount Macedon in 2007 and currently shares his week between the Mount and a city residence. He loves it here and said tinkering was his meditation. “Corporates” contact him regularly now about HAA and he spends hours each week talking to people to share his vision. “It is humbling and overwhelming at the same time, and it gives me hope that we can solve this hideous problem if we work together towards a solution,” he said. “It is possible."

Robert Pradolin

Community Bank Gisborne & District

Edyta knows nothing about synchronised swimming

But Edyta knows banking

Edyta shares her knowledge of banking so you can achieve what you want from life.

With interest rates on the rise, there’s never been a better time to review your home loan.

And, she can meet you when and where it suits you; at the branch, over the phone, or via video call.

If you need help with your banking, call Edyta Manager on 5420 7210 or search Bendigo Bank Gisborne.

Enquire online at bendigobank.com.au/healthcheck or call your nearest branch on 5420 7210.